Tourist timidity
So, Toronto is losing tourists because it doesn’t have the “Wow” factor anymore.
A tourism project finds our fellow Canadians dismiss Toronto as a vacation destination because, in order, of crime, traffic and the expense.
Americans say they’re put off by passport requirements, delays at the border and bad weather.
Just a few years ago, three-quarters of tourists polled said they were satisfied with their experiences here. Now that number has fallen to less than half.
But there are some positives in the report. Toronto is still this country’s top place to visit. More tourists have been coming to visit from overseas in recent years and more visitors overall are staying overnight.
Councillor Michael Thompson reminds us that we all have a role to play in attracting tourists and making sure they go back home with positive things to say about coming here. It’s true. If you stop someone in Paris you’re likely to get a shrug and no help at all but the attractions make up for it! Tourists are willing to put up with some stuff as long as the overall experience is a good one.
But what do we wow them with? I’d suggest to visitors that they plan to arrive during one of our excellent festivals: Beaches Jazz, Caribana and so many others. This city has a lot to offer, there’s nowhere on earth quite like it and we simply have to do a better job of promoting it.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Hello Lisa
I agree with you that Toronto needs to offer more to attract tourism. Although this is not my area of expertise, I think a panel to brainstorm some ideas might be a good idea. My husband and I just returned from a vacation in France. We took the kids a year ago to Venice and London. Europe doesn’t need tourist traps to attract tourists because it has culture and history. Just walking around looking at the beautiful arcitecture is awe inspiring!
Hmmmm Does Toronto “really” have culture and history?…..or am I just immune to it?
In my work environment I meet people from around the world. The comment I hear over and over is that this city is clean. Although that is wonderful, I don’t think a “clean” city encourages tourists to come back!
I think we do have a problem on our hands!
Ps…I read your blog on France So glad you had a great time!…….I agree it is beautiful!…..WOW! We did our own private tour of the south, northwest and Paris. Now that is culture!