The Detroit-Belle Isle Grand Prix is expected to provide a $50-million economic boost.
As more than 100,000 racing fans visit Belle Isle this weekend, Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island CEO Gordon Orr hopes that at least a small portion of that will trickle across the border. "The exposure opportunity is tremendous. At the same time, the media coverage is phenominal. And it really does help to increase and improve the reputation and brand of Detroit, and anytime you do that, it only bodes well for us."
Orr is confident that many visitors will be making their way across the border this weekend, especially because the American dollar is so strong right now.
The CEO says TWEPI has staff on the island, spreading word about Windsor-Essex all weekend, and even if racing fans don't come this weekend, he hopes it's a destination they mark on their calendars for the summer.