Destination Niagara salutes local ambassadors during National Travel and Tourism Week

Destination Niagara USA press release

Destination Niagara USA joined communities across the country in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), recognizing the vital role tourism plays in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing quality of life in Niagara County.

Tourism remains one of the most important industries in Niagara County, generating more than $1 billion in annual visitor spending and supporting businesses and workers throughout the region. In recognition of this impact, Destination Niagara USA has organized a week of activities to celebrate the people, places and partnerships that make the destination thrive.

Throughout the week, visitors to the Official Niagara Falls USA Visitor Center, located at 10 Rainbow Blvd., enjoyed special partner giveaways. Destination Niagara USA also recognized Global Meetings Industry Day on Wednesday, celebrating the significant impact meetings, conventions, and group travel have on the local economy. In 2025, Destination Niagara USA’s convention sales team played a key role in booking 28 events, generating 14,362 total room nights and an estimated economic impact of more than $9 million for Niagara County.

Maria Ortiz Colmenares, a food & beverage supervisor at Courtyard by Marriott in Niagara Falls, was presented with a $500 Visa gift card and Niagara Falls USA swag, as a recipient of the Destination Niagara USA Tourism Employee Spotlight Award on Wednesday. A nomination form noted Maria “loves to showcase the City of Niagara Falls and is excited to call it her to new home. Maria started in housekeeping, cross trained to bistro, front desk, and covers at all locations in Rupal Hospitality. Her love for people shines through when she gets to explain all the amazing things to see in Niagara Falls. She takes pride in providing the best hospitality and providing a warm welcome to all travelers to Niagara Falls.” Maria is pictured with Destination Niagara team members, as well as her coworkers.

Destination Niagara USA treated Tourism Employee Spotlight Award-winners to free sweet treats, courtesy of Chilly Billy’s Ice Cream.

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On Saturday, team members from the Niagara Falls Convention Center and Destination Niagara USA will participate in the Niagara Beautification Committee cleanup effort, reinforcing their shared commitment to being strong community partners and stewards of the destination.

“Tourism is a powerful economic engine for Niagara County, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and generating opportunities for residents across our community,” said John Percy, president and CEO of Destination Niagara USA. “National Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to celebrate the people who deliver memorable experiences every day while also recognizing our responsibility to care for and enhance the place we call home. We are especially excited for what lies ahead in 2026, with the America 250 and the added international attention generated by nearby FIFA World Cup 2026 matches creating tremendous momentum for Niagara Falls USA.”

For more information on Destination Niagara USA and upcoming events in Niagara County, visit www.niagarafallsusa.com.

The mission of Destination Niagara USA is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara Falls USA communities by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsusa.com.

Destination Niagara USA President and CEO John Percy presents Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center Public Programs Coordinator Charlynn Rivera with a $500 Visa gift card and Niagara Falls USA swag on Wednesday. Charlynn was named a Destination Niagara USA Tourism Employee Spotlight Award-winner. Her nomination form shared, “In a small, nonprofit museum with limited funds, all positions are typically not filled and employees tend to have to wear multiple hats. Charlynn exemplifies a person who goes above and beyond to accomplish the responsibilities of multiple positions. As public programs coordinator, Charlynn works very hard to provide engaging and educational events to our local schools, as well as our visitors. Not only does she design wonderful programs, such as trivia games, arts & crafts events, and slam poetry, but she does all of the marketing and development work this is associated with doing so. Recently, for our annual fundraiser, Charlynn has worked sunrise to sunset for weeks to provide an event that was a throwback to the ’80s. I cannot imagine a person who is more deserving of this acknowledgment.” Charlynn is shown with Destination Niagara team members, co-workers, family and friends.