Tourism bookings drop again this year

News Release
NWOTA

The NWOTA and KDCA annual survey of Northwestern Ontario resource based tourism businesses, conducted in April 2008, asked businesses to report changes in 2008 bookings and changes in gross revenue for 2007.
Key findings included:
79.6% of lodges reported lower bookings for 2008 over 2007.
Overall 2008 bookings are down 15.82%
For the 2007 year gross income was down and average of 8.97% over 2006.
Operators named border issues, fuel costs, exchange rates, the US economy and poor government policy as the reasons for the industries current strife.
“2006 and 2007 actual and expected sales losses will result in the elimination of 2,300 direct and indirect jobs through out Northwestern Ontario. Unlike manufacturing closures, tourism jobs disappear one a time, week by week. The cumulative effect of these losses will decimate the already crippled economy of the region.” Said Jerry Fisher President of NWOTA
Tourism is vital to the economy of North Western Ontario. In Sunset Country alone, tourism and employed directly and indirectly, nearly 10,000 individuals and was recorded as contributing $ 451 million to the regions economy (2001 PKF Economic Impact Study). More than half a million tourists traditionally visit the Sunset Country annual, 97.5% from the US.
“There are many obstacles like the US economy and exchange rates that we understand the government can not affect, however, we require thoughtful investments in infrastructure and marketing to help us stay afloat during what is fast becoming a very difficult business climate.” Said Harald Lohn President of KDCA
While revenues are shrinking in Northwestern Ontario businesses in NE Minnesota who share identical markets have experienced double digit growth. Since 2000, tourists heading north are opting to end their trip in Minnesota. Minnesota’s spending on aggressive marketing, investments in quality highways, roadside stops and attractions; coupled with concerns about the border is yielding rewards for US communities at the expense of their poorer Canadian cousins.
The Kenora District Camp Owners Association (KDCA) and the Northwestern Ontario Tourism Association (NWOTA) represent tourism advocacy throughout North Western Ontario. As active lobby groups they address critical issues facing the tourism industry and the economy of North Western Ontario.
Full survey findings can be found at HYPERLINK “http://www.nwota.com” www.nwota.com under the studies and information tab.