Tourism sector ‘will be ready’ after pandemic
Officials planning for how they will safely accommodate visitors
While the Niagara Falls tourism sector is trying to weather the COVID-19 storm, officials are planning for how they will safely accommodate visitors once the health crisis is over.
Mayor Jim Diodati said it’s unknown when people will start to experience the “new normal,” but when it happens, “it’s not like we’re going to be flipping on a switch to say we’re open.”
“It’s going to be more like a dimmer switch — we’re going to gradually turn it up.”
But what that new normal will look like is anybody’s guess right now, he said.
“You can’t control how many come to the city, but you can control how many go on the attractions, you can control how many go into the hotels and the restaurants.”
Diodati said the city, which takes its marching orders from the province, will have protocols in place and that it will be prepared.
“It’s not opening up a new business, we will be reopening an existing attraction, the falls (which typically attracts 14 million visitors a year).”
Niagara Parks chief executive officer David Adames said the agency is in the “very early days” of looking at different scenarios and options.
“Whatever that scenario is, we will be ready,” he said.
“Collectively, we will ensure that we have a very clear message around the fact that we are a safe and welcoming destination, whether that’s Niagara Parks or Niagara as a whole. I think our guests will expect to see evidence of that, whether it’s physical-distancing considerations in queueing for lines for attractions, or whether it’s how we accommodate guests in our restaurants.”
Adames said once the provincial emergency order is lifted — or at least eased — he believes there will be a pent-up demand for the outdoor experience Niagara Parks offers, such as its trails and open spaces.
“I think they will be well used. Folks will want to come out and explore those spaces,” he said.
“The unknown will be the response to attractions and other amenities, but we will be putting in plans to welcome those guests as well.”
Niagara Falls Tourism president Janice Thomson said while the agency’s No. 1 priority now is “conquering the virus,” officials are working with provincial and federal organizations on what the new normal will look like.
“Also, how are we going to market, what are we going to do that’s going to get the attention of people to put Niagara Falls at the top of their list when they’re planning their eventual trip out?”
When it comes to how many people will initially be allowed inside attractions, hotels and restaurants, Thomson said “at this point, it’s all speculation.”
“Certainly, I know individual businesses are all looking at their own internal processes and operations — all geared toward fulfilling that promise that we’ve always made that Niagara Falls is a safe place to visit,” she said.
“We’re hearing people saying there might be hesitation, it may start as a trickle and then we’re hearing other people saying once the sun starts to shine, people are going to want to be outside and enjoying the open spaces. We’ll have to be prepared for either scenario. As an experienced destination … I’m sure our operators will be ready.”