CURRENT WESTBOUND CAR NUMBERS: UP 23% Since 2009
2012- 1,885,112 - Highest Crossings since 2004
St. Clair County - 4th Busiest Northern Border Crossing (Cars) 3.7 Million Passengers 2011
ST. CLAIR COUNTY
The Canadian market is a vital part of our local economy, without this market much of our commercial base would not be here. By some estimates, they make up 30%-70% of our local businesses customer base. This market creates jobs for the local residents and property tax dollars for local units of government. This impact can be felt throughout Southeastern Michigan with St. Clair County being the gatekeeper. We need to recognize this market, be thankful we have it and be proactive in expanding it. We have 54% of the Canadians crossing at the Blue Water Bridge yet only 22% in total spending. We can grow this market share by limiting the leakage that is going outside of our county through active advertising and the right tenant mix. We could double our market share through combined efforts. Here are a few statistics on the size of the Canadian market.#1 International Visitor in U.S. = Canada
#1 International Visitor in Michigan = Canada
#1 International Visitor Spending in US = Canada
#1 International Visitor Spending in Michigan = Canada
#1 International Visitor Crossing in Michigan = Blue Water Bridge (per SEMCOG & Consulate Data)
Michigan is 5th in Canadian visits behind Florida, California, Washington and New York.
FOR REFERENCE
2009 Data Sets - St. Clair County
Canadian Visitors = 700,000 +(2009 Chamura Study)
($57 Million in visitor spending or 22% of all Canadian spending in Michigan)
Metro Detroit Canadian Visitors = 455,000 (2009 SEMCOG)
Michigan Canadian Visitors = 1,292,300 (2009 Can.Consulate)
( Canadian Visitors Spent $258 Million in Michigan)
VISITOR FACTS
85% were day trips
Spending:
#1 Shopping
#2 Dining
Demographic:
Sarnia/Lampton = 130,000 population
London area = 457,720
Average Household Income = $75,000
Average Household Income exceeds Macomb County and is comparable to Oakland County
25% have an Average Household Income above $100,000+
Culinary Tourism Facts:
- Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association – Culinary Tourism is one of the top 3 tourist activities. Ontario represents over 1/3 of all food spending in Canada - $22 Billion
- U.S. Office of Travel & Tourism Industries – Food & Drinking places have the 2nd highest spending with a record level of $20.8 billion in visitor spending.
