Top Employer and Environmental Awards combined with strong crowds make for a successful 2019 season at the base of the Falls
NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — With several awards and recognitions added to the strong crowds and the return of a historic mainstay, Hornblower Niagara Cruises is drawing the curtain on a successful 2019 season.
Despite a late start to the season because of a prolonged cold winter and lingering ice in the upper Niagara River, and several high-water events throughout the year, visitors to Niagara Falls’ main attraction were plentiful. On 18 separate days this year more than 24,000 people experienced Hornblower’s signature Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour, including a single-day attendance record with more than 26,000 people boarding the catamarans. In no previous operating season did Hornblower surpass the 24,000 daily visitor count.
“Mother Nature presented us with a significant challenge at the beginning of the year, but it turned out to be another fantastic year for Hornblower Niagara Cruises,” says Mory DiMaurizio, Vice-President and General Manager of Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
Not only did Hornblower welcome huge crowds, they achieved high customer satisfaction scores and a ‘world-class’ net promoter score, along with a strong list of honours that were bestowed throughout the year.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises ongoing commitment to reduce its footprint, boost recycling and composting, and operate with sustainability at the forefront was rewarded with a Gold certification from Sustainable Tourism 2030 and the City of Niagara Falls’ Environment Award. This is underscored by Hornblower’s Respect Our Planet, a company-wide initiative committed to clean air, clean water and a clean future.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises was also named “Best Water Adventure” and “Top Fan Choice” in North America, by customers of GetYourGuide, one of the world’s top booking platforms for travel experiences, and most recently, was recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, an award they are most proud of.
 “It was exciting to see so many visitors from across the world, and to receive such distinguished awards this season. Our success is a result of our extraordinary team of people. They show up each day creating amazing experiences for thousands of visitors, give back and support the community, and work hard to be more environmentally conscious in our operations.” added DiMaurizio.
 Hornblower’s commitment to the Environment, Quality and Health & Safety is demonstrated through its earned ISO designations – ISO 14001 for its strict standards for Environmental Management that ensures its operations minimize negative impacts on the natural environment, ISO 9001 for Quality Management focused on meeting the need of the customer, and ISO 18001 for meeting Occupational Health and Safety Management standards which demonstrates that the health and safety of its employees is a top priority for the company.
2019 also marked the return of the incline railway at the base of Clifton Hill, with the Hornblower Niagara Funicular opening in the spring.  When Hornblower was awarded the operation as the official and only boat tour operator in Niagara Falls, Canada, in 2012, it committed to restoring the incline railway to enhance the guests’ experience and sustain passenger growth.
 “With 2019 in the books, we are looking forward to another great year in 2020,” says Mr. DiMaurizio. “Thank you to all of our tourism partners in Niagara and Ontario who have helped build and maintain an amazing visitor experience in Niagara Falls.”
The 2019 season marks the end of Hornblower Niagara Cruises sixth operating year, providing amazing experiences for over 12 million visitors since it first set sail back in 2014.
For more information, please visit niagaracruises.com. Follow Hornblower Niagara Cruises on Instagram @NiagaraCruises and Like it on Facebook.
About Hornblower Niagara Cruises:
Hornblower Niagara Cruises, the official Boat Tour operator for the Niagara Parks in Niagara Falls, Canada, is a sister company of Hornblower Cruises and Events; a North American company based in San Francisco, California, with more than 100 vessels and 30 years of experience operating various types of marine services across the east and west coasts.  As Canada’s most memorable visitor experience, the Niagara Falls boat tour operation hosts millions of visitors a year. In September 2018, Hornblower welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
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For more information, please call
Stephen Murdoch
Vice President, Public Relations – Enterprise
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 289-241-3997
Office: 905-346-1232