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January 6, 2018
Canalway Trail at Adams Basin by Keith Boas
New Research Sheds Light on Canalway Corridor Visitors

We are excited to share results released today from our recently-commissioned study about current and prospective visitors to the 500-mile Canalway Corridor. The information is intended to help tourism promoters, businesses and heritage sites better attract and serve visitors, including boaters, cyclists, sightseers and vacationers.  

More than 1,000 people participated in online surveys and 20 provided in-depth interviews conducted by Rochester-based Level 7 Market Research on behalf of the National Heritage Corridor. Visitors and prospective visitors who live near the canal system, as well as those from other parts of New York and neighboring states, participated, providing a reliable and geographically-diverse research sample.

Among the findings:
  • Recent and prospective visitors were drawn to the history of the area and to exploring local canal communities; boat tours/boating and attending festivals/events are major draws among prospective visitors.
  • Most recent visitors rated their experience high- 8 out of 10.
  • 70% of visitors who live in the Canalway Corridor selected "Always been curious about the area" and "Destination for personal journey/accomplishment" among their top reasons for visiting.
  • Recent canal visitors tend to be older, travel in smaller parties, and have higher income households compared with prospective visitors. Most are savvy travelers who are three times more likely to travel internationally.
  • Lack of awareness and knowledge are among the greatest barriers to visiting.
The research was funded by a grant from Market NY through I LOVE NY, New York State's Division of Tourism, as a part of the State's Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
 
If you would like to schedule a consultation or presentation to review the data and discuss its implications for your tourism region or site, please contact Jean Mackay, Director of Communications and Outreach, jean_mackay@partner.nps.gov .
Interest in NYS Canalway Water Trail Grows

More than 600 people with an interest in paddling the NYS Canal System are engaged in lively and informative discussions on our new Water Trail group on Facebook. Both experienced and casual canal paddlers are finding their way to the site to ask questions and share information. If you enjoy paddling or are thinking of giving it a try, join the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYSCanalwayWaterTrail 

Are you planning a public paddling event on the canal in 2018? Let us know! We plan to compile and share a list of events as part of our efforts to promote the NYS Canalway Water Trail. Send details to Brian Yates at brian_yates@partner.nps.gov .
2018 Canal Opening Announced 

The NYS Canal Corporation recently announced dates and hours of operation for the 2018 navigation season. Conditions permitting, the Eastern Erie Canal (Locks E-2 Waterford through E-23 Brewerton) will be opened on  Tuesday, May 15 at 10am. The rest of the Canal System (Champlain Canal, Western Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, and Cayuga-Seneca Canal) will be opened on  Friday, May 18 at 7am, conditions permitting. The entire New York State Canal System will close for the season on  October 10 at 5pm. Fees for pleasure vessels have been waived. Find details on hours of operation for locks and bridges at NYS Canal Corporation
Upcoming Conferences and Events
We are sharing information about the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor at several upcoming conferences and events. Stop by our exhibit table if you are able to attend.
 
Saturday, March 10, 9am to 5pm
Cultural Education Center, Albany Capital Center, and the Visitors Center of Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Albany

Saturday and Sunday March 17, 10am to 5pm, and March 18, 10am to 4pm
Saratoga City Center, Saratoga Springs
 
Sunday through Tuesday, April 8-10
Rochester

Monday through Wednesday, April 23-25
The Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady

Thursday and Friday, April 26  &  27
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Buffalo

Thursday through Saturday April 26-28
NYS Museum, 4th Floor, Albany
Save the Date: NYS Canal Conference: October 14-16
This year's conference, One Water: New York Harbor, will celebrate the role that New York Harbor has played in the success of the State's historic inland waterway system. Download the flyer or find additional details at  www.newyorkcanals.org.
2017 Annual Report Now Available

Download the report on our website.
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor | PO Box 219, Waterford, NY 12188 | 518-237-7000 |   erie_canal@nps.gov |   www.eriecanalway.org
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