Destination Muskoka: $1.5M plan could lead to direct flights from U.S.
District of Muskoka considering proposal to make its regional airport an international facility
The District of Muskoka is considering a plan that could make getting to the world renowned vacation spot much easier and faster for Americans and other international tourists.
The district council was presented with a report Thursday that details how spending up to $1.5 million to upgrade Muskoka's regional airport to an international facility might help boost the local economy and create jobs.
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The report was contracted by Explorers' Edge —the district's tourism arm —and suggests an 11-week trial that could see international flights landing as early as next summer.
"There's this love affair with Muskoka in major US destinations and what we're doing is taking the barriers away from getting here," James Murphy, executive director of Explorers' Edge told CBC News.
Direct to cottage country
If the district moves forward with the plan, American tourists would land at either of Toronto's international airports and board connecting flights to Muskoka, but eventually Explorers' Edge and others say direct flights to Muskoka from U.S. cities would be possible too.
"If you're talking aviation, the world is the limit," the district's chair John Klinck said Thursday.
Muskoka's airport can currently handle jets as large as a 737, but is primarily used by private plane owners heading to their cottages.
It's estimated Americans account for only about 5 percent of Muskoka's tourists.
Don Mackay of Golf Muskoka represents the region's 33 private and public golf courses and hopes the district can boost American tourism to as much as 15 percent of the areas visitors.
"Driving to Muskoka from Pittsburgh is not as much fun as hopping on a plane and being here in 2 hours, or from New York or from Boston," he said.
Muskoka chairs full of Americans
Leah Leslie-of Muskoka's JW Marriott says the plan could also be a big boost for resorts keen on taking away conferences and special corporate event normally held in U.S. tourist destinations.
"They're also looking for something new and fresh and ease of access is key," she told the CBC's John Lancaster.
Right now, she says Muskoka is getting a lot of buzz in places like San Francisco.
According to the report, most locals see a boost in tourism as a good thing. It'll now be up to district officials to decide if they'll pay up to fill up those famous Muskoka chairs with more Americans.
The district is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. It'll cost as much as 1.5 million dollars dollars in up front capital costs to expand the airport, add screening areas and staff the facility. The report suggested the district could make that back three-to-five fold in the coming years.
Quebec's Mont Tremblant undertook a similar venture more than a decade ago and now averages 20,000 visitors by air a year.