Sudbury Tourism, a partnership of over 80 businesses representing local attractions, accommodations, restaurants and retail, is celebrating the start of the vacation season with the opening of the Downtown Visitor Information Centre at the Elgin Street VIA Rail Station on Saturday, June 6.
“It’s time to celebrate our community’s success as a tourist destination,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez. “This summer’s innovative new attractions at Science North and Dynamic Earth are a reflection of the collective philosophy of our local tourism industry. That philosophy is to see every challenge as an opportunity that can grow with fresh ideas and a dedicated work ethic.”
The latest figures provided by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism show that the City of Greater Sudbury was the destination of choice for over 1.1 million visitors in 2007. Total tourism spending was close to $200 million and local employment driven by tourism was over 3,200.
“We expect the figures for 2008 to be even better and we are equally as optimistic for the coming tourist season,” said Rob Skelly, Manager of Tourism, Culture and Marketing for the City of Greater Sudbury.
“While the economy may dampen plans for long distance vacations, our community offers quality attractions and services that will cater well to our local and Northeastern Ontario markets.”
The Downtown Visitor Information Centre will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until the end of August. In addition to visitor information, the centre features heritage photos and displays celebrating the history of the railway in Greater Sudbury.
