Post: Another drop in American visits to Toronto

[FunkyTechnician]

I think Toronto needs to be a major presence in a good hit hollywood movie- that's the ultimate marketing. But yeh I think marketing ourselves better in adds is a big part of it, but it is also helpful to have attractions that are a little different or a little more unique that can be marketed. The ROM and AGO extensions will definitely help add to the appeal. Ontario place needs a major makeover or at least some sort of interesting addition, it hasn't really changed much in decades. A casino would help attract people from buffalo but I doubt people will be flying from Chicago, SanFranciso or Nebraska to play the slots. I think the waterfront has great potential still, and it's great that they're at least starting to make some inroads there.

The Incredible Hulk is being filmed in Toronto but I'm pretty sure that they are trying to mask them selves as a New York setting as many others in the past. It's strange how films that intentionally and for the main part are set in Toronto tend not to be successful in the US market.

 

[JasonParis]

And that, while said in jest, is precisely what Americans think of and hear when they come to Canada. I rarely visit Quebec, since everytime I go, I get snooty'ness and rude reception from those in the service industry, and think, why should I give them any of my money? An American says the same about Canada.

I purposefully go to Quebec all the time and have never encountered this, despite being horribly unilingual. I'm not saying its never happened, but the stereotype that you are going to get treated rudely in Quebec for being an anglophone is more myth than reality.

Indeed, there's some knee-jerk anti-Americanism in Canada, but little of it has anything to do with the people and more to do with the politics (which Americans themselves increasingly disagree with as well). Are we supposed to not say anything when we don't agree with certain American objectives? If so, I guess I'm anti-British too.

 

[JasonParis]

The Incredible Hulk is being filmed in Toronto but I'm pretty sure that they are trying to mask them selves as a New York setting as many others in the past. It's strange how films that intentionally and for the main part are set in Toronto tend not to be successful in the US market.

Although, it's really only been tried twice...and barely.

 

[Observer Walt]

I find most Canadians to be "reserved" (old cliche) but not rude, and this applies in Montreal as well. I have less experience in rural Quebec where I am told there is sometimes a less welcoming attitude toward English-speakers.

As far as Americans, they are unfailing welcoming and glad to see you, although sometimes shockingly ignorant of Canada. (As a humourous sidelight, more than once my Royal Bank Visa card has elicited the comment that I must be from England.)

 

[TO City of Light]

Maybe they're going to Montreal...

Just a few photos of a marketing campaign by Montreal to entice New Yorkers up to their belle ville.

These ads are very evident in the West Village and Chelsea. They are aimed at a hip crowd - those who do like Montral and Vancouver, and know Toronto (unfortunately) as the place where all those American movies are shot.

Hollywood north is not always a compliment.

 

[JasonParis]

Small pics, but from what I can tell, a good campaign that captures the essence of Montreal.

 

[Admiral Beez]

I find most Canadians to be "reserved" (old cliche) but not rude, and this applies in Montreal as well. I have less experience in rural Quebec where I am told there is sometimes a less welcoming attitude toward English-speakers.

I must admit being surprised at how reserved and unfriendly the folks here in Fredericton were compared to Toronto. When we moved into our Cabbagetown semi in 1998 our neighbours invited us over for a party within days and we know nearly everyone within a 10 house radius. In Fredericton, we've been here for almost three years and know almost no one.

 

[Admiral Beez]

As far as Americans, they are unfailing welcoming and glad to see you, although sometimes shockingly ignorant of Canada. (As a humourous sidelight, more than once my Royal Bank Visa card has elicited the comment that I must be from England.)

I've just returned from four days in Portland, Maine and area. At the hotel they asked us why we celebrate Victoria Day if the Queen is 'liz.

 

[interchange42]

I've just returned from four days in Portland, Maine and area. At the hotel they asked us why we celebrate Victoria Day if the Queen is 'liz.

I would have asked them why they celebrate Independence Day if the President is Bush.

42

 

[AndreaPalladio]

Ah, easy access to Freeport and Kittery and the lovely factory outlets therein. That's one reason to miss Fredericton. Though I have to say I thought the Maine Mall in Portland had gone way downhill the last time I was there in 2004 - I suppose nothing has been the same since they closed Jordan Marsh.

 

[unimaginative2]

You're absolutely right about Buffalo, interchange. Buffalo, Rochester, and other nearby midwestern cities make up a huge proportion of our visitors. Many young people with whom I've spoken in those cities regularly travel up to Toronto on weekends. The passport rules might change that, though...

As for gentrified neighbourhoods in Buffalo, though, Elmwood Avenue certainly fits the bill.

 

[AndreaPalladio]

I must admit being surprised at how reserved and unfriendly the folks here in Fredericton were compared to Toronto. When we moved into our Cabbagetown semi in 1998 our neighbours invited us over for a party within days and we know nearly everyone within a 10 house radius. In Fredericton, we've been here for almost three years and know almost no one.

Well of course. You're from away, and not an OFF (Old Fredericton Family). Fredrock is an intensely cliquish town.

 

[Admiral Beez]

Ah, easy access to Freeport and Kittery and the lovely factory outlets therein. That's one reason to miss Fredericton. Though I have to say I thought the Maine Mall in Portland had gone way downhill the last time I was there in 2004 - I suppose nothing has been the same since they closed Jordan Marsh.

Yep, spent a bit of time and $$ at LL Bean in Freeport. It's a nice town. Plus, there's a brew pub in Freeport with a great children's playground in back and dog friendly patio.

Most of all I'll miss the family trips to Saint Andrews, NB to collect sea shells with my kids.

 

[Admiral Beez]

Well of course. You're from away, and not an OFF (Old Fredericton Family). Fredrock is an intensely cliquish town.

Very true. The friends I have gained are also from away, mostly from Ontario.

Two weeks ago I was riding my 1969 Triumph motorbike (see pic below, mine's the purple Tiger, beside the black Trident) around Fredericton and met a fellow at Tim Hortons with a great old Honda with Ontario plates. I struck up a conversation, and the fellow asked me if he looked mean or angry...I said no, and then he said that since he'd been in NB no one would talk to him. I told him that's because he's not from here.

 

[isaidso]

Toronto needs to completely revamp its tourism efforts. The current campaign is not adequate.

We should not be focusing so much of our efforts on American tourists. Although, the largest visitor source by far, other visitor sources spend multiple times more than Americans and offer the greatest potential for increasing tourism receipts.

The City of Toronto needs to do a much better job branding the city. Everything from a single look to city cabs, to marketing the TTC as souvenirs people want to buy, to projecting an exciting image through the international media. Hosting foreign morning shows at Dundas Square and getting foreign news wires to carry GayPride celebrations, Santa Claus Parade, and things of that nature are far more effective than forgettable 30 second television commercials.

The current Ontario tourism ads are a disaster. If you can't give anyone a better reason to visit than a child experiencing a water slide with her mum, or a dog racing along a beach, we are in trouble. Almost any city on the planet could feature such imagery. We need to showcase something with a wow factor. Something people will travel thousands of miles just to Toronto to experience. Fireworks don't cut it.