By Tony Farina
It may not be another world wonder, but the idea fomenting these days about the Niagara Aerospace Museum for Niagara Falls, N. Y., is important because it is another way to connect tourism with education, workforce development, and regional identity.
With long, cold winters, the reality is that indoor attractions matter, encouraging overnight stays, supporting nearby restaurants and hotels, and creating educational opportunities for local students. Western New York has a long history in aviation, engineering, and manufacturing, and an aerospace-focused attraction fits naturally with this history and is extremely worthy of serious discussion, which we heartily encourage.
Tourism is vital, a major piece of the puzzle, but indoor destinations help create a year-round tourism economy, not just a summer season. How important is that to the future revitalization of Niagara Falls? The answer is extremely important. Cataract City, located adjacent to the mighty falls, is a major tourism destination, but that’s not the answer. Even a few well-designed indoor destinations—museums, family entertainment venues, immersive exhibits, or event spaces—could add much to the tourism business and to the city’s well- being.
Yes, tourism matters most, of course, but to look busy and be as successful as Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the other side of the border, the American side must grow its economy, rebuild its shrinking tax base, and become less dependent on state and federal funding, which is becoming scarcer by the minute.
Tourism is part of the answer but needs lots of help. Many tourism jobs are seasonal and visitors often stay for only a short time. That formula does not create strong, long-term economic growth. A successful city needs more, like multiple types of economic activity, including industries that create permanent jobs and investment.
The above observations are why the recent discussions about the AerospaceMuseum are so important. Tourism works best when it grows alongside industry. Niagara Falls has unique advantages like low-cost electricity from hydropower, available land for development, proximity to Canada and major U. S. markets, a world-famous natural landmark, and a long industrial heritage. These strengths can and should work together.
New industries create jobs and increase property values. More workers living in the city support restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Tourism grows because there are more things to do and a stronger local economy. Higher tax revenue reduces dependence on outside funding.
Large economic projects—especially those tied to energy, technology, or advanced manufacturing–can stabilize population and rebuild the tax base. Tourism grows alongside that economic strength rather than trying to carry the entire burden alone.
The American side of the river needs to build its own future by combining year- round tourism attractions, new industries that use the region’s natural resources and energy advantages, and employing smart planning and community investment.
The city has what it needs to rebuild and create a city worthy of the natural wonder on its doorstep. The time to start is now. Let’s hope the political leaders look beyond election results and look to a better future for all. One can hope they see the opportunity and start with the Aerospace Museum. Might be a good way to start.
