Destination Niagara USA honored by Niagara USA Chamber

Submitted by Destination Niagara USA

The Niagara USA Chamber hosted the “Chamber Honors” annual dinner at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Thursday, May 4.

Destination Niagara USA was honored at the event with the Industry Insider for Tourism Award. The organization was selected based on its active participation in the community, outstanding achievement and leadership, and dedication to the tourism industry and business community.

“I have the pleasure of seeing the dedication of the team at Destination Niagara USA firsthand, and it is truly an honor to be recognized by the Niagara USA Chamber for the impact we make in the community,” said John Percy, president and CEO of Destination Niagara USA.

Destination Niagara USA participates in many community activities throughout Niagara County, including the recent Niagara Beautification Commission’s annual clean-up in downtown Niagara Falls. Last holiday season, the organization raised over $1,100 for the Niagara Falls Fire Department holiday toy fund through ornament sales, and staff collected toys and toiletries for Community Missions. The team also participates in the Peach Festival parade in Lewiston and will be marching in the Memorial Day parade in Niagara Falls on May 27 this year.

In addition to volunteering in the community, the team at Niagara Falls USA shows a commitment to strengthening the local economy through tourism.

While other destinations struggled with recovering from the devastating effects on tourism due to the coronavirus pandemic, Niagara Falls USA fared better due to strategic positioning by the Destination Niagara USA team, as members highlighted the prevalence of outdoor activities and natural social distancing. Tourism spending in Niagara County reached $831 million in 2021, representing a 9.3% increase over 2019. Additionally, $52 million was collected in local taxes (a 24.9% increase over 2020).

Were it not for tourism generated state and local taxes, Niagara County residents would pay an additional $1,007 to maintain the same level of government revenue, already hard hit by the pandemic.

The dedication of Destination Niagara USA is apparent through continued efforts to market Niagara County and keep it at the top of the mind for tourists through the pandemic, as well taking on additional responsibilities through the management of the Niagara Falls Convention Center.

In 2022, the Niagara Falls Convention Center hosted 82 events, attracting 43,349 attendees, with year-end revenue of more than $3 million. When events are hosted at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, attendees spend money in lodging, restaurants, attractions and shops throughout Niagara County, often providing an economic boost outside of the standard tourist season. The estimated economic impact of the events held at the Niagara Falls Convention Center in 2022 was more than $12 million.

The mission of Destination Niagara USA is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara Falls USA communities by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsusa.com.