Although Statistics Canada no longer provides local numbers , Tourism Sarnia-Lambton believes the number of visitors to our area is up this year.
Spokesperson Beverly Horodyski says the low value of the Canadian dollar is enticing more Americans, especially from Ohio and Michigan.
"Their dollar having more of a buying power on this side is definitely a benefit," says Horodyski. "Our numbers at our Tourism Office are up from the previous year by about 9%."
She says more Ontarians are opting for "staycations."
"We are also seeing the numbers slightly higher for people in Ontario visiting other communities within their own home province," says Horodyski. "We work closely with the regional tourism office to draw on that as well."
Horodyski admits the lack of a municipal boat ramp may have affected the sports fishing sector.
"We know the lack of a boat ramp did affect some of the events and we are hopeful that once the new ramp is installed, it will help the success of the sport fishing industry in our area," she says.
Horodyski adds an aggressive online marketing campaign has had the desired effect, while Sports Tourism such as the International Granfondo, international hockey tournaments and the provincial girls ringette championship held in Forest have also boosted numbers.
