Brand Positioning Statement
Buffalo Niagara provides authentic and unexpected experiences to inquisitive explorers. The region’s revitalized waterfront, restored architecture, thriving arts scene, culinary renaissance, vibrant neighborhoods, outdoor activities and historic charm make it a not-to-be-missed treasure.
About us
Visit Buffalo Niagara was incorporated on March 4, 1987 and is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the administration and operation of the organization.
VBN employs a staff of talented tourism professionals dedicated to promoting tourism and accomplishes this by soliciting national, state and regional meeting planners, motor coach tour operators, travel agents and independent consumers. In 2022, $2.2 billion dollars in traveler spending occurred in Erie County, generating $132 million in tax revenue. That’s $594 in tax savings per household in Erie County.
How is Visit Buffalo Niagara funded?
Erie County provides an annual grant to Visit Buffalo Niagara, and this funding comes from visitors themselves when they stay in local hotels. In 2022, $4.6 million from Erie County was provided to Visit Buffalo Niagara for all marketing and sales efforts.
What is the return on investment?
Visit Buffalo Niagara booked meetings, conventions and athletic events generating $164 million dollars in future economic impact. What this means is for every $1 in grant funding received, $37.75 was returned in contracted visitor spending. This does not include spending by cultural travelers which is harder to track. This growing segment of affluent travelers does spend big, about $1,000 per visit.
You can read the 2024 President’s Letter here.
But return on investment and tax relief is only part of the story. Tourism means jobs for local residents. In Erie County, tourism is the fifth largest industry, employing 24,311 people directly and indirectly.
Economic impact and spending data sourced from the Economic Impact of Tourism in New York, 2022 Calendar Year, by Tourism Economics.
Get Involved
Consider getting involved with us by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter, Tourism Insider, fan us on Facebook at or follow us on Twitter and become a Buffalo Ambassador.
DMAP Accredited
Visit Buffalo Niagara has been awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal by Destination Marketing Association International. This seal illustrates a DMO’s commitment to industry excellence and to raising the performance and accountability of DMOs around the world.
DMAP accreditation requires DMOs to demonstrate compliance across 16 disciplines, composed of 53 mandatory standards and is globally recognized by the destination marketing industry as the highest achievement in destination excellence.
