Destination Niagara USA to Celebrate Inaugural Destination Professionals Day on February 19, 2025

Niagara Falls, NY — Destination Niagara USA, the organization dedicated to promoting Niagara Falls USA as a premier visitor destination, will join destinations around the world in celebrating the inaugural Destination Professionals Day on February 19, 2025. Created by Destinations International, this new annual observance honors the people and organizations that drive tourism, economic growth, and community vitality worldwide.

Today, there are more than 10,000 destination organizations across the globe, representing a broad spectrum of entities, including destination marketing organizations (DMOS), convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), tourism boards, sports commissions, and film offices. In Niagara County, the travel and tourism industry is a vital economic driver, accounting for over $1 billion in traveler spending in 2023 and generating more than $59 million in local tax revenue. Notably, 24% of the total workforce in Niagara County is employed in the travel and tourism industry.

Destination Niagara USA plays a vital role in driving economic growth by attracting visitors, encouraging longer stays, and increasing spending throughout the region. The marketing team’s strategic digital campaigns successfully engage travelers from key target markets, inspiring them to choose Niagara Falls USA as their next getaway, which largely contributes to the $1.082 billion in tourism spending across Niagara County. In 2024, the efforts of the convention and sales team alone resulted in an estimated economic impact of $8,292,168, bringing valuable business to local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Meanwhile, the visitor services team welcomes more than 100,000 visitors to the Official Visitor Center each year, assisting travelers in building out their itineraries to ensure the most memorable experiences. Additionally, the organization’s proactive media outreach efforts secured 214 stories about the destination, generating more than 950 million impressions and further amplifying Niagara Falls USA’s appeal. Through these initiatives and more, Destination Niagara USA continues to enhance the visitor experience while strengthening the local economy.

"Destination Professionals Day is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of those who make travel and tourism a thriving industry," said John Percy, President and CEO of Destination Niagara USA. "From marketing and sales to visitor services and operations, our team and industry partners play a critical role in driving economic growth, creating unforgettable visitor experiences, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. We are proud to celebrate their contributions and the impact they have on our community."

Recognizing February 19 as Destination Professionals Day serves three primary purposes:

• Raise Awareness – Highlighting the vital contributions of destination professionals in enriching community life and driving economic development.

• Celebrate Achievements – Recognizing the dedication and hard work of destination professionals across all roles and organizations.

• Inspire Future Leaders – Showcasing the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the sector to attract the next generation of professionals.

Destination Niagara USA invites the local community, industry partners, and stakeholders to join in recognizing this important day and the invaluable contributions of those working in the travel and tourism industry. For more information about Destination Niagara USA and its efforts to promote tourism in Niagara Falls USA, please visit www.niagarafallsusa.com.

Destination Niagara USA works to ensure Niagara County is a preferred international destination for group and leisure travel. It supports its mission to expand the economic prosperity of Niagara County by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit NiagaraFallsUSA.com.