2018 was a great year for tourism in Thunder Bay, with the city’s tourism boss pointing to some of that growth from Americans.
Paul Pepe notes the value of each country’s dollar, the American political climate, and local marketing efforts made a difference.
“Much more focus of our marketing efforts down in the US, also partnerships with Ontario Tourism, Destination Ontario, Destination Canada.”
The city’s tourism manager adds Canadians traveling through Thunder Bay leave quite a positive economic impact during their short stays.
Paul Pepe says not only is the low Canadian currency causing people to explore within our border, Americans are realizing the benefits.
“It’s also great value for our American visitors, and they’re starting to pick up on that more and more. So the US traffic has been climbing, I think as a result of more awareness in the US that their dollar does go significantly further here.”
And, travelers coming to Thunder Bay are paying slightly more to stay in a hotel, which is boding well for tourism in the region.
However, he points out the average of price of a hotel per night in Thunder Bay is about $20 cheaper than the provincial average.
“When we’re bidding on conventions, when we’re bidding on sports events, we’re still very, very competitive as an accommodation destination, when group planners or sports organizers are planning events and planning travel.”
Thunder Bay’s tourism manager adds the airport has seen record numbers passing through as well.
(photo: from Paul Pepe, Northwest Helicopter Tours)
