Business, Government, and Tourism Groups Team-Up for Easy Border Travel

DRAFT NEWSLETTER TEXT

In an effort to encourage smoother and more frequent Canadian-American border travel at Buffalo and Niagara region bridge crossings, the Peace Bridge Authority, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Canada Border Services Agency, insert your organization name here, and an extensive list of local trade and tourism organizations have embarked on a joint-initiative to increase participation in the NEXUS program over the coming year.

NEXUS is a joint program between the U.S. and Canadian governments designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travelers.

“ This campaign is all about promoting efficient border travel for residents of Southern Ontario and Western New York,” remarked Peace Bridge Authority General Manager Ron Rienas. “And that means getting as many locals signed-up for NEXUS as possible.”

The NEXUS Niagara promotional effort is open to all interested individuals, customs brokers, tourism organizations, government entities, theme parks, family attractions, and any retail destinations directly or indirectly impacted by international travel regulations. The goal – as previously stated – is to enroll an increasing number of people into the program so that NEXUS one day becomes the predominant form of travel identification at area ports-of-entry.

Currently, more than 650,000 U.S. and Canadian residents are NEXUS card holders, and the program has steadily expanded enrollment at a very solid clip since its inception in 2003.

“ Our region boasts an incredible array of cultural attractions, hospitality destinations, and retail options,” said Niagara Falls Bridge Commission General Manager Lew Holloway. “By becoming a trusted traveler through the NEXUS program, an individual can make the border a carefree experience and truly take advantage of all the great resources Buffalo Niagara has to offer.”

To begin spreading the word about NEXUS benefits a series of communications and public outreach activities have been scheduled throughout the area. Those persons and organizations interested in becoming a NEXUS Niagara “ambassador” can e-mail [email protected] or visit www.nexusniagara.com for access to various marketing tools, including downloadable program brochures, posters, and web buttons for placement on individual or company websites. The NEXUS Niagara website also contains a form to request the NEXUS Niagara informational booth be setup at your business or attraction. Be sure to keep an eye out for this booth at the Fort Erie Racetrack and other destinations this summer!

And remember, NEXUS makes border travel simple!