In an effort to boost tourism - a new Visitors Center has opened at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport.
About one-third of the five million people who use the airport annually are Canadian, according to Visit Buffalo-Niagara President and CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen. But she says many Canadians do not view the region as a destination. The center will introduce travelers to the area's incredible art, architecture, culture, sports and entertainment.
Gallagher-Cohen says the center has been a success since opening in July.
"In the month of August, we serviced the same number of visitors at this store as we do all year at our downtown visitors center," Gallagher-Cohen said. "So, it's been a home run. Our revenue here has been slowly climbing. We are just about at the break even target."
Along with providing free visitor assistance - the center sells unique Buffalo-related gifts - including apparel, and handmade artisan goods.
Proceeds from the store go back into promoting the region.