share

Impact of Tourism Activity Tops $221 Million in 2015

December 16, 2015
By Bob Peters

Cornwall Ontario – The economy of Cornwall and the Counties experienced a positive boost of over $221 million according to Cornwall and the Counties Tourism.

Tourism staff have reviewed the available statistics and determined the regional economic impact using the Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM) developed by the Ontario Minisry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The model identified over $221 million in economic impact from the tourism industry in 2015, using attendance figures from signature attractions and festivals, as well as hotel occupancy rates in the region.

“We consider the number to be a conservative estimate, and that the true impact is much higher,” notes Linda Wilson, Executive Director of Cornwall and the Counties Tourim. “We were only able to include figures that were readily available in the calculations, and we know that many successful events were held for which we simply do not have figures.”

One of the highlights of the year was the 2015 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo that attracted 85,000 people to the area in September. Other signature annual events and attractions also had strong activity. These included local rural fairs, attractions and events at Upper Canda Village, and a growing active cycling market.

In Cornwall specfically, a number of events were held for the first time such as Food Fest, the Shorty Jenkings Classic bonspeil, and the Cornwall and Area Popular Expo (CAPE).

“2015 was an unusually slow season for tourism across nearly all destinations throughout the province,” says Ms. Wilson. “We were happy to buck that trend and look forward to 2016.”

Cornwall and the Counties Tourism will seek to reach even greater economic gains with the marketing strategies aimed at the new year. These include a revamped website and social media presence, a new Visitor Guide due out in January and various trade shows in the first quarter of the year.

About Cornwall & The Counties Tourism

Cornwall & The Counties Tourism works with tourism businesses to promote Cornwall & the United Counties of Stormont Dundas and Glenggarry as a visitor and convention destination. The office provides visitors with detailed information on attractions, accommodations, shopping, dining, festivals and events.

One of the key publications developed by the Tourism office is the Travel Guide, an 80-page booklet that features information on events, attractions, and accommodations, as well as a map of the area. You can order the guide free of charge via the Request Info page on this site.

For more information on Cornwall and The Counties Tourism, please check them out online:

Categorised in: , ,