Vancouver’s low tourism grades spur sector reassessment

[djh]

I remember when they proposed the London Eye, we all laughed and there was a lot of "that's tacky" in the media at the time. The general consensus in my circle was sort of "why?!"
But then once it went in, of course we all tried it out grudgingly. Once trying it we realised it was not just a cheesy "Ferris Wheel", it was a major event, a legit tourist attraction, and really gave a different and unique view of the city. I think much of the general public mood on the Eye changed once people actually experienced it.

Now it is one of the top tourist attractions in London, and that's saying a lot.

I think the lesson is that just doing something because every other city has it is indeed pretty uninspiring. But if a city is going to do something, it better be better and different to what everybody else has done, thereby actually being worthy of your time and money.

A few years back there was a proposal for a tourist attraction at the peak of Queen Elizabeth Park. Not sure if a per-se "ferris wheel" would be the best choice, but I would certainly support some sort of tower or pinnacle or tourist attraction at that location, that gave amazing views of the city. But again, it would have to be more than just "pay your money, get 2 minutes of view, buh-bye"