The skyline in Shanghai, China.
Photo: Pixabay
Joyce Morocco, President, Destination Niagara Falls
As more Chinese travelers discover the wonders of Niagara every year, the time is now for the region to take the world stage.
That’s why Destination Niagara Falls president Joyce Morocco will head to China in November - to promote Destination Niagara Falls members, build relationships with key contacts and raise awareness of the region’s diverse tourism attractions at the China International Import Expo.
The event runs from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai and is China’s invitation to governments, businesses, exhibitors and professional purchasers from all around the world to participate in the importing of goods and services to satisfy fast-growing consumer markets. Exporters in tourism, culture, and education, and many other sectors will attend.
Morocco learned about the expo through the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce and from some members of the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce. Since the trade mission was only open to private businesses (not tourism organizations), “it was a great opportunity to sign up and promote all we have to offer in the Niagara Region,” said Morocco.
“We (Destination Niagara Falls) are a privately owned company that promotes tourism partners on our website, and through our newsletter and social media outlets. Many smaller companies that advertise with us would not be able to cover the cost of the trade mission, plus all the additional expenses to attend, let alone having one of their staff away for 10 days.
Destination Niagara Falls is no stranger to China. In fact, this will be Morocco’s third mission to the country. She went for the first time in 2012 with the Canadian Tourism Commission and again in 2017 on business to meet with government officials regarding tourism and trade. In that time, “I’ve built a very good relationship with a number of companies and travel operators in China, and everyone there loves Niagara. It’s an easy sell!”
As for what she hopes to achieve while attending: "Tourism is a huge industry with everyone wanting a piece of the pie. Major countries and cities around the world are all competing for more tourism. If you are not at the table, then you are nowhere,” she said.
“As our tourism industry grows, so does everything else in your city. It creates more jobs, not just in tourism but also in our local stores, housing market, automobiles, entertainment, services, tradespeople, it doesn’t end. It keeps our economy moving all year round. Not only do I want to raise awareness of all there is to see and do in Niagara, but we also want to promote convention business, so we have a professional meeting planner attending to assist with convention sales.”
Recent tourism statistics are cause for excitement; In 2017, Canada saw 682,000 arrivals from China - up 12 percent over 2016. China was Canada’s largest source of tourist arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region and was Destination Canada’s second largest overseas market.
“Canada is not the only country pursuing the Asia-Pacific market, and that is why it is so important to be there for Niagara. We will be looking forward to building relationships with China and the other 160-plus countries attending the expo.”
Asked what this could mean for tourism in Niagara, she replied, “It’s not just for the tourism industry; it’s for everyone in Niagara. Whether you’re in tourism or some other sector, it’s raising awareness that the Niagara Region is open for business. We want our businesses thriving with increased tourism, (and) our wineries and breweries to be shipping more of their products to other countries. (The same goes for) some of our other products produced in the Niagara Region.”
She encouraged those who are interested in attracting more international travelers to go to the expo and is excited to seize the opportunities for conversation while there.
“With over 160 different countries and regions attending the five-day expo, I am sure Niagara will be at the top of their list as one of the many booths to stop by,” she said, adding the company will attend under the Canadian umbrella and have one of its many videos showcased on November 6.
Interested in having your business featured in the presentation or advertising on destinationniagarafalls.ca?
Contact Joyce Morocco at jmorocco@destinationniagarafalls.ca.
October 5-6
Scotiabank Convention Centre
October 5-8
Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
Photo: thanksgivingfestival.ca
October 6-8
Safari Niagara
A family-friendly Halloween event! Join us for our 6th annual Boo at the Zoo. TRICK or TREAT your way around the zoo brought to you by local businesses. This is a safe and unique Halloween party you do not want to miss!
Event Details:
- 3 Day Event (October 6, October 7 & October 8)
- Costume Contests (Categories: Ages 0-2, Ages 3-7, Ages 8-12, Best Group)
- Find the Golden Pumpkin Contest for your chance win a 2019 family season membership (2 Adult/ 2 Child)
- Fun House
- Inflatables provided by Zippy Zoom Inflatables
- Kids Bubble/Dance Party in Amphitheatre: 12PM – 3PM
- Trick-or-Treating
See website for Costume Contest times, admission and additional details.
Photo: safariniagara.com
October 20, 26 & 27
Old Fort Erie
Photo: niagaraparks.com
October 26-November 3
Oh Canada Eh! Dinner Theatre
Photo: ohcanadaeh.com
October 27-28
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Photo: frightmareinthefalls.com
See these and more photos of this month's events on our Facebook page, and be sure to 'Like' us! Get out and enjoy all Niagara has to offer!
Meridian Grande Parade, Niagara Wine Festival - Downtown St Catharines
Photos: Allison Smith
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