In a bid to rejuvenate local tourism following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Lincoln introduced the Niagara Benchlands Destination Development Fund in 2022. This initiative has since become a vital resource for businesses in the community, including wineries like Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery in Jordan.
Boosting Winery Tourism with the Winter Wine Trail
During December, traditionally a slow period for many wineries, five Lincoln wineries saw a significant uptick in activity. This surge came from the Winter Wine Trail, an event that paired sparkling wines from each winery with delectable dishes from local restaurants. Sue-Ann Staff, president of Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery, expressed delight at the event’s success, noting that it was sold out and attracted 266 ticket sales—an impressive feat for a first-time event.
Support from the Town of Lincoln
The success of the Winter Wine Trail was partly due to the support from the Town of Lincoln’s Niagara Benchlands Destination Development Fund. A grant of $5,000 helped kickstart this event, showcasing the fund’s impact in fostering local economic growth and tourism initiatives.
Continued Support for Tourism
As the town enters its third year of the fund, $25,000 has been allocated to further boost tourism in Lincoln. The deadline to apply for this funding is May 6, offering tourism-based businesses in the area an opportunity to access resources that can drive their growth and contribute to the community’s overall prosperity.
Opportunities for Tourism-Based Businesses
Britnie Bazylewski, Lincoln’s tourism development officer, highlighted that any tourism-based business in Lincoln is eligible to apply for the fund. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of businesses can benefit from the support provided by the fund, ultimately contributing to a thriving tourism landscape in the Town of Lincoln.
By leveraging initiatives like the Niagara Benchlands Destination Development Fund, Lincoln is not only revitalizing its tourism sector but also fostering a sense of community and economic resilience in the face of challenges like the pandemic. This proactive approach sets a positive trajectory for the town’s future, encouraging businesses and tourists alike to explore and enjoy all that Lincoln has to offer.
