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Seneca Niagara Casino will reopen on June 18, with nation-owned casinos in Buffalo and Allgany to follow later in the month and at the beginning of July. The Seneca Niagara Gaming Corp. 3, 2020 timer 3 min. Unifor is calling on provinces to safely reopen casinos and gaming operations across Canada under the same public health protocols that guided reopenings in other sectors of the economy. “Enough is enough — it’s time to safely reopen casinos so gaming workers can get back to work and support their families,” said the union’s national president, Jerry Dias.

Percy: ‘We are very well suited for a strong rebound’

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

Retail stores √

Barbershops and salons √

Restaurants √

Houses of worship √

Graduation ceremonies √

As Niagara County prepares for phase three of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “New York Forward” reopening process, answers, dates and procedures have been given for a number of items.

The reemergence of one significant sector, however, is still unknown.

Tourism.

Cuomo’s plan has said arts, entertainment and recreation are part of phase four – which could come locally as soon as Tuesday, June 30. That said, the governor recently allowed houses of worship to reopen at 25% capacity, gave the OK for outdoor graduation ceremonies of 150 people or less, and reopened restaurant patios in between phases two and three – so, it’s possible tourist attractions could come back on a different date.

Destination Niagara USA President and CEO John Percy said, “As far as we are aware, attractions are in phase four. Many of the attractions across Niagara County are currently working on their safety plans and submitting them to the state for approval.”

Two of the most prominent tourist attractions in Niagara County are the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls State Park. Each one is closed – as is the Orin Lehman Visitor Center, Niagara Adventure Theater, and Observation Tower.

Speaking on behalf of the Maid of the Mist, Kevin Keenan said, “Maid of the Mist is a concession in New York State Parks and for that reason, it is up to State Parks to determine when Maid of the Mist will open. It is not clear to the Maid whether we or any other attractions in the park are in a particular phase. In the meantime, Maid of the Mist has made a number of revisions to our safety plan that will need to be approved by New York State Parks.”

State Parks would not provide details on Maid of the Mist, or indicate when the Cave of the Winds would reopen. Its website noted visitors can walk the park grounds and view the water.

Speaking on behalf of the Maid of the Mist, Kevin Keenan said, “Maid of the Mist is a concession in New York State Parks and for that reason, it is up to state parks to determine when Maid of the Mist will open. It is not clear to the Maid whether we or any other attractions in the park are in a particular phase. In the meantime, Maid of the Mist has made a number of revisions to our safety plan that will need to be approved by New York State Parks.”

State Parks would not provide details on Maid of the Mist, or indicate when the Cave of the Winds would reopen.

The Aquarium of Niagara issued a press release Wednesday that said, in lieu of an immediate opening, it would mark its 55th anniversary this weekend with a special “look-back” video and a commemorative T-shirt that will be for sale at www.aquariumofniagara.org.

Old Fort Niagara Executive Director Robert Emerson said, “Over the centuries, Old Fort Niagara has withstood famines, sieges, surprise attacks and the storms of Lake Ontario. If you’ve wondered how Old Fort Niagara has been doing during the pandemic, it’s been tough. On March 20, our doors closed in the interest of public health. Like other closed museums and historic sites right now, our resources are dwindling. Without visitors, we’re without revenues that sustain us.” The Youngstown historic site is offering a series of virtual distance-learning programs in June.

NFP reached out to Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours operator John Kinney. He did not provide a response as of press time. The WJBT website states, “Our updated opening date is scheduled for July 1st, 2020 in Lewiston, New York. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and will make changes to our operating dates if necessary.”

Niagara Falls’ Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours also is delayed. A Facebook post stated, “Safety has always been #RainbowAirInc first priority. With saying that, until further notice we will hold off on opening day for #Season2020 Please check back to see when we are going to kickoff our XXV Season! In the meantime, please stay home, stay safe and most importantly, stay healthy.”

Not having these attractions open to the public has struck a significant blow to the area.

“This crisis has hit our local tourism economy incredibly hard,” Percy said. “As an example, the most recent hotel data shows a nearly 80% decrease in occupancy year over year for April.”

Maid of the Mist and Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours patrons are eager to get back on the water.

If You Build It, They Will Come … But Maybe Not This Year

When attractions do reopen, the next question is will people come and patronize them this summer?

Travel across the northern border bridges is limited until July. A May 10 article in the New York Times, citing a study from Airlines for America, stated airline “passenger traffic is down about 94%, and half of the industry’s 6,215 planes are parked at major airports and desert airstrips.”

Percy said, “Based on government restrictions and traveler sentiment, we don't anticipate overseas visitors coming to Niagara Falls USA until 2021 and beyond. This could change once restrictions are lifted, as well as other factors affecting inbound travel to the United States.”

Though a smaller-scale tourism season isn’t ideal, Percy said, “Once the attractions are able to reopen, we feel that we are very well suited for a strong rebound. Industry research suggests that once consumers begin to travel again, they will likely do so within a six-hour drive from their home. We have always been an extremely strong drive-market destination and that’s where we are placing a heavy marketing focus. We also have an abundance of outdoor attractions and activities, which make us a particularly attractive destination right now due to social distancing and safety guidelines.”

WATCH:

Niagara Falls is Open

State parks have remained open throughout the course of the coronavirus pandemic, and Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” order – which closed all nonessential businesses in late March. He shifted to “New York Forward” in mid-May.

Niagara Falls State Park is gradually reopening and welcoming tourists.

Delaware North handles the concession and retail operations. Director of Corporate Communications Glen White said, “Delaware North on June 5 reopened some retail shops and food and beverage outlets at Niagara Falls State Park.”

General Manager Michael Barnes oversaw the creation of a safety plan, working in partnership with New York State Parks.

White said, “Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the snack bar, ice cream shop and gift shop at the Cave of the Winds Pavilion, the gift shop at the Top of the Falls at Terrapin Point and the snack shop near Prospect Point. It should be noted that the Cave of the Winds, Top of the Falls restaurant and Maid of the Mist have not yet opened for the season.

“For its operations at the park, Delaware North has implemented a comprehensive program in response to COVID-19. The Rest Assured Commitment to Care program features new health and safety standards aimed at helping keep guests and employees safe. Delaware North has reengineered operating procedures to minimize contact risk and bolster hygiene protocols to meet or exceed best-practice guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“The Rest Assured program at Niagara Falls State Park includes:

√ “Upholding current social distancing guidelines as directed by local and state health officials and in compliance with the CDC.

√ “Enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols for all high-touch surfaces in common areas.

√ “Most points of sale accept touchless mobile wallet payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

√ “Hand-sanitizing stations.

√ “Plexiglas dividers at points of sale.

√ “Rest Assured signage, including for social distancing.

“In addition, our employees:

√ “Take a health check when they report to work.

√ “Sanitize their hands when they report to work and are required to wash and sanitize their hands frequently throughout the shift.

√ “Undergo a comprehensive Rest Assured training program.

√ “Wear face coverings while they are on duty.”

Seneca Niagara Casino Reopening Date

Seneca Niagara Reopening Next Week

Seneca Gaming Corp. will reopen Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on Thursday.

In a press release issued earlier this week, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said, “After being closed for nearly three months, we are now ready to move forward with the safe, responsible and systematic reopening of our gaming facilities. This is a signature moment in our region’s economic recovery from the circumstances that arose as a result of this unprecedented public health crisis.”

Interim CEO and CFO David Sheridan said, “The health and safety of our team members, guests and their families continues to be our highest priority.”

To that end, the company stated, “The Seneca Resorts & Casinos team has established a comprehensive plan informed by public health experts and CDC guidance to adapt all front-facing and back-of-house procedures to maintain a safe and fun environment. The plan, which can be accessed in full at SenecaNiagaraCasino.com, includes protocols for social distancing, disinfecting measures, and wellness screenings for both team members and guests.”

“We are confident in opening Seneca Resorts & Casinos in phases while implementing the most comprehensive steps across all of our departments to ensure an effective return to operations while protecting everyone in the facility,” Sheridan said. “We look forward to reconnecting with our extended Seneca family … from a distance.”

The casino PR team noted hotel operations and the spa and salon will remain closed, as will most restaurants. Some slot machines will open, but there will be no table games.

STIR and The Lobby Bar are closed. Morrie’s will offer grab-and-go options, as will Blues Burger, which is also able to provide sit-down dining in the front wing.

Meanwhile in Lockport

Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises opened Thursday, according to a tweet sent earlier in the day.

Tourists come from around the world to take a Rainbow Air Helicopter ride.

Niagara Falls Casino Reopening Date

NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK—BUFFALO, NEW YORK—SALAMANCA, NEW YORK: (June 9, 2020) After 15 weeks of closure due to the novel coronavirus crisis, Seneca Resorts & Casinos is pleased to announce Phase I of its return to operations will begin Thursday, June 18 with the opening of Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino is the only Seneca Resorts & Casinos property to open at this time, with strict protocols in place to protect the health and safety of guests and team members alike, including limited slot machines, no table games and minimal food and beverage service and seating to promote social distancing. Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino’s phased opening is set for Thursday, June 25 with Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino opening the following week on Thursday, July 2.

“After this unprecedented and unsettling time in our community, we look forward to welcoming back our dear guests and friends,” said David Sheridan, Interim CEO and CFO, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “The health and safety of our team members, guests, and their families continues to be our highest priority.”

During this closure, which began on March 16, the Seneca Resorts & Casinos team has established a comprehensive plan informed by public health experts and CDC guidance to adapt all front-facing and back-of-house procedures to maintain a safe and fun environment. The plan, which can be accessed in full here SenecaNiagaraCasino.com includes protocols for social distancing, disinfecting measures, and wellness screenings for both team members and guests.

“We are confident in opening Seneca Resorts & Casinos in phases while implementing the most comprehensive steps across all of our departments to ensure an effective return to operations while protecting everyone in the facility,” Sheridan said. “We look forward to reconnecting with our extended Seneca family…from a distance.”

Casino Niagara Reopening Dates

“In addition to all of our guest communications, we are outlining all of our new internal procedures and protocols to our team members through extensive training,” said Lori V. Quigley, Chairwoman, Seneca Gaming Corporation Board of Directors. “We will be closely monitoring these procedures and protocols, and we will take a measured approach as we expand our offerings after successfully opening this initial phase.”

Casino Niagara Opening Date

Highlights of the Phase I reopening plan include:

• Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino will operate at reduced capacity in order to maintain social distancing for guests and employees.
• Hotel operations as well as the spa and salon will remain closed.
• Most restaurants will remain closed. Morrie’s, now temporarily located in the hotel lobby area, will provide grab-n-go options only, no sit-down dining. Blues Burger will also offer grab-n-go options and socially distanced sit-down dining.
• Odds & Ends will be the only retail open.
• Some slot machines will be open to allow for appropriate social distancing. There will be no table games available at this time.
• STIR and The Lobby Bar are closed. Aces bar and the former KENO bar (near the Sports Lounge) will serve non-alcoholic drinks with strict social distancing measures in place. No alcohol will be offered. Beverage service - including water, soda, coffee and tea - will be provided.
• The Sports Lounge will be open for placement of wagers at kiosks only; no counter service will be available.
• Resort hours of operation will also be limited to 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

Before you arrive, please visit our website SenecaNiagaraCasino.com for “what you need to know before you go” and a message from Seneca Resorts & Casinos. Guests will be expected to adhere to a variety of new regulations established to keep them as safe as possible during their visit.

Seneca Resorts & Casinos will continue to provide updated information on the phased reopening process on its website. Please check back regularly at: www.senecaniagaracasino.com, www.senecabuffalocreekcasino.com, and www.senecaalleganycasino.com.

Seneca Resorts & Casinos consists of three Class III premier gaming and resort facilities, which include Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo, NY, and Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in Salamanca, NY, as well as the awardwinning championship Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course in Lewiston, NY. Across all three resort properties, guests can indulge with 20 delicious dining destinations, 12 exciting bars, over 5,200 slots, over 140 table games, and 2 AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotels with over 1,000 deluxe rooms and suites. All of the resorts & casinos are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. More information is available by calling 1-877-8-SENECA (1-877-873-6322) or visiting SenecaCasinos.com.

Seneca Resorts & Casinos…NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE!