Bright outlook for Tourism this season in Niagara Falls

At Niagara Falls Walking Tours, we always try to look on the bright side of things.  It seems as if our optimism is founded, at least in an anecdotal fashion.
This Sunday past we were escorting a group visiting Niagara Falls from Geneva.  After doing the usual (Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Tim Hortons), we headed north to Niagara on the Lake.

As the group went off for brunch, window shopping and a Shaw Festival play, I stayed back and checked out Fort George and was impressed at how this cannon was holding up.  Speaking of impressment, the War of 1812 celebrations should be quite wonderful next year.
On to the meat of the story.  I spoke to a very knowledgeable lady from the Tourist Center (Centre?), who told me that bus traffic is "...way up..." from last year at this time.  Last year at this time, bus arrivals were in the single digits.  Currently, buses are buying permits at more than twice that amount.
So, it's not scientific, but it is just another sign that there is pent-up demand in the market and Niagara Falls is positioned to blossom this year!