The folks promoting Windsor-Essex tourism say you don't have to go far for a vacation.
Numerous aspects of the local tourism industry are being showcased at the seventh annual Windsor Essex Staycation Expo, taking place Saturday at Devonshire Mall. The purpose of the exposition, sponsored by Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) is to convince residents to explore everything there is to offer in their backyard.
The expo is a big draw every year at Devonshire Mall, according to general manager Chris Savard.
"It's certainly one that we see as beneficial to both the mall and its patrons, and obviously to TWEPI," says Savard. "There are so many great things to do in this area."
TWEPI's Lynnette Bain says there is such a huge abundance of things to do in the area that it's likely some lifelong residents may go to places they've never been.
From our wineries and breweries to our shopping districts and BIAs (business improvement associations), and we're getting into the festival season," says Bain. "There's going to be so many things to do each weekend that people are going to be having a hard time deciding what to do."
Participants at the expo range from tourism groups representing specific municipalities, to nightclubs to even Windsor Comicon. One conspicuous absence, though, is from one of the area's biggest draws, Caesars Windsor, where a labour dispute has shuttered the hotel, casino and entertainment complex.
Bain says the casino's absence hurts considering the revenue it brings to the region.
"It's unfortunate that Caesars isn't able to be with us right now during this labour unrest," says Bain. "They are our number-one tourist attraction, attracting 2.3-million visitors a year."
Area food and drink is a big part of the expo once again. Windsor-Essex's thriving craft beer and wine industries will be represented. Visitors to the mall this weekend will be able to sample some of the adult beverages produced in the region.
The Windsor Essex Staycation Expo runs Saturday from 9:30am to 6pm in the mall outside Hudson's Bay. Wine tasting begins at 11am, and the Barrels, Bottles and Brews showcase with beer and liquor tasting runs from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.