Edmonton now Albertas top tourist Destination

[Grease_Ball]

http://www.edmonton.com/portal.asp?p...ighlightid=774

"Edmonton is the number one destination in overall person-visits to Alberta and the number one destination in person-visits from other provinces. Edmonton is also Alberta’s number one metropolitan destination for U.S. visitations and revenues"

[Azure]

West Edmonton Mall?

[Tron_fdc]

Sundeep? Is that you?

I recall this stat, and am not going to dispute it. My only question is WHY? Why would someone want to go to a really big mall? To stay in the truck room??

I don't get people sometimes. I'd WAY rather go to Banff, Crowsnest or Jasper, but then again that's just me.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

Sundeep? Is that you?

I recall this stat, and am not going to dispute it. My only question is WHY? Why would someone want to go to a really big mall? To stay in the truck room??

I don't get people sometimes. I'd WAY rather go to Banff, Crowsnest or Jasper, but then again that's just me.

I agree. Personally I don't and won't ever get anything good out of the West Edmonton Mall.

Canmore, Banff, and Jasper are way better.

[Bobblehead]

Interesting that there are more overnight stays in Calgary than Edmonton, but Edmonton has more visits. Kind of like visitors get to Edmonton then say WTF and leave.

[RedMan12]

if articles like this make Edmontonians feel better about their crappy city more power to them.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Interesting that there are more overnight stays in Calgary than Edmonton, but Edmonton has more visits. Kind of like visitors get to Edmonton then say WTF and leave.

Interesting indeed. Although if I remember back to my univeristy tourism studies correctly, a visitor is defined as staying less than twenty-four hours, a tourist is defined as staying over twenty-four hours.

Perhaps there is more 'visitors' in Edmonton, but more 'tourists' in Calgary? Who knows, and frankly, who really cares.

[DuffMan]

It's a hell of alot cheaper, is about all I can think of.
I moved close to Edmonton a few years ago. and I can still afford to golf.
I played a course, similar to Elbow Springs (called Goose Hummock) on Saturday for $32. That's non peak, which starts at 2 pm. Weekend peak = $46

[StoneCole]

Originally Posted by Muta

Interesting indeed. Although if I remember back to my univeristy tourism studies correctly, a visitor is defined as staying less than twenty-four hours, a tourist is defined as staying over twenty-four hours.

Perhaps there is more 'visitors' in Edmonton, but more 'tourists' in Calgary? Who knows, and frankly, who really cares.

Exactly: Tourist typically come to Calgary, and go for a one day "visit" to the mall.

[octothorp]

Pretty obvious when you look at the PDF; about two-thirds of Edmonton's totals are from intra-province visits; where are those people coming from? Well, probably a lot of them from Calgary. So people from Calgary visit Edmonton more than people from Edmonton visit Calgary. Congrats on that, Edmonton. Clearly Central Alberta is first in intra-provincial visits because everyone drives through on their way to either Edmonton or Calgary. Again, not really much to brag about.

Note that Calgary is ahead of Edmonton in terms of total overnight visits; which to me would say that people (again, probably mostly people from Edmonton) find more stuff to do in Calgary. And sure, more US visits go visit Edmonton, but then more overseas visitors go for Calgary. Again, if Edmonton wants to brag about that, be my guest.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Interesting that there are more overnight stays in Calgary than Edmonton, but Edmonton has more visits. Kind of like visitors get to Edmonton then say WTF and leave.

Actually, it's probably more of an indicator of the fact that to go to Fort McMurray most people go through Edmonton. Thus the overinflated "visitor" totals.

[JiriHrdina]

One factor would likely be Edmonton's proximity to a lot of nice camping and fishing areas. Apart from heading to the mountains, Calgary doesn't have that. When I was a young lad my family used to head up there every summer for the fishing.

[Deelow]

The main reason is probably that Edmonton is really the only destination for all of Northern Alberta. People from Peace River/High Level/ Grande Prairie/Fort McMurray even Fort St. John and Dawson Creek all plan their twice annual weekend in Edmonton. It's the only major city close enough to visit without flying and it gets the job done....it's also the easiest palce to visit from Saskatoon.
When it comes to foreign tourists I can't see Edmonton out ranking Calgary.

[CalgaryDesi]

...arguments can go either way

Against EDMONTON

1) People visiting the North, HUB to Fort McMurray

Against Calgary

1) More business meetings, and these business people count as tourists
2) International visitors using Calgary as a HUB to the rockies

In any event, I could care less. Let's be proud that Alberta has 2 damn fine cities to offer

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by CalgaryDesi

In any event, I could care less. Let's be proud that Alberta has 2 damn fine cities to offer

...and Edmonton.

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Grease_Ball

"Edmonton is the number one destination in overall person-visits to Alberta and the number one destination in person-visits from other provinces. Edmonton is also Alberta’s number one metropolitan destination for U.S. visitations and revenues"

"Fat girls have more sexual partners than skinny girls"

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by CalgaryDesi

In any event, I could care less. Let's be proud that Alberta has 2 damn fine cities to offer

Agreed. Airdrie kicks ass.

[HelloHockeyFans]

But the mall has like FOUR Gaps!

[J pold]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

"Fat girls have more sexual partners than skinny girls"

I demand you elaborate on this statement immediately!......

[theJuice]

Heh