Recent Survey Shows Importance of Canadian Visitors to Northern New York Economy
  North Country Chamber of Commerce Study Reveals Canadian Visitation is Strong  

Plattsburgh, NY – 4/13/11 –  The North Country Chamber of Commerce and its Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau recently conducted a survey of more than 250 tourism-related businesses, verifying the importance of Canadian visitors to area businesses and the North Country economy.
 
"We certainly know that Canadian spending in our area is of great importance and has been growing," states Chamber President Garry Douglas, "but we decided it was time to take a snapshot of just how important it is and what the trends and opportunities may be, especially as we refine our Montreal marketing plans for this summer."
 
The Chamber surveyed more than 250 tourism-related businesses, including lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, attractions, marinas, retailers and agritourism operations, with the results revealing the following:
 

• A strong majority depends on Canadians for 20% or more of their business. Almost a fifth depends on Canadians for more than 50% of their business.
   
• 88% rate the importance of Canadians on their businesses as Important or Very Important. 48% say Very Important.
   
• 88% reported an increase in Canadian business in 2010 compared to 2009. A majority (64%) reported a 5-15% increase, while 12% reported an increase greater than 25%.
   

"These numbers confirm that we are enjoying the benefits of both a strong Canadian economy and the fact that the two currencies are remaining near par," states Douglas. "And they reinforce our belief that the opportunity is ripe to attract even more visitors and spending from north of the border this year, especially over the summer."

  “We expect another strong summer in respect to Canadian visitors,” stated Michele Powers, Vice President of Marketing for the North Country Chamber of Commerce.  Powers, who also serves as the director of the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, added, “We are in the process of creating an extensive marketing program targeting the Montreal market throughout the summer which will include a co-op advertising flight on Montreal television with member businesses. So when you combine the strength of the Canadian dollar, New York state’s recent 4% tax exemption for all clothing purchases under $55, and an aggressive marketing campaign, the outlook is good.”
 
 "Just as important as getting them here is making their visit as enjoyable and welcoming as possible," states Douglas. "All of our area hospitality and retail businesses need to step up their efforts to make our Quebec friends comfortable, including more bi-lingual menus and signs, more French skills among customer service staff, and zero tolerance for any impatience, prejudice or poor attitudes toward our neighbors. Walt Disney said that people spend money where and when they feel good. Let's make them feel very good about spending money, supporting jobs and generating sales tax revenue here in the North Country."

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About the North Country Chamber of Commerce
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is leading the way for business and economic development in the Quebec-New York region.  The largest economic development entity in northern New York, the North Country Chamber of Commerce represents more than 4,000 companies and organizations across Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton and northern Warren Counties.  Founded in 1912, the Plattsburgh-based organization has grown to become one of the five largest chambers in New York State.  For more information on the North Country Chamber of Commerce call 518.563.1000 or visit northcountrychamber.com.

About the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, a division of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, was established in 1994 as the official tourism promotion agency for the travel and tourism industry in Clinton County, NY.  Based in Plattsburgh, NY the Adirondack Coast Visitors  Bureau contributes to the county’s economic development and quality of life by promoting the region as a top destination for tourism, meetings and other special events. For more information on Clinton County tourism, please contact the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau at 518.563.1000 or check us out on: