Buoyed by several new cultural attractions that have opened -- or soon will open -- officials from the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau say they are expecting a busy summer tourism season, despite such factors as rising fuel costs and a weak economy.

The Buffalo Niagara region has many pre-booked conventions, amateur sports events and special events that should help fill hotel rooms, restaurants, stores and attractions. On top of that, this summer will see the debut of the M&T Bank Rainforest Falls exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo and the first phase of the rebuilt Inner Harbor project in downtown Buffalo - both of which are expected to attract out-of-town visitors.

"Tourism is an obvious economic generator in Buffalo and an obvious growth industry," said Richard Geiger, Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO.

Buffalo and Erie County welcome, on average, 4 million visitors annually while Niagara Falls, N.Y. attracts more than 8 million annual visitors. Niagara Falls, Ont. sees an average of 15 million tourists. The tourism industry employs more than 20,000 people in Erie County, and visitors spend about $1.2 billion annually while creating $70 million in yearly sales taxes for the county.

"Tourism is big business for our community," Geiger said. "Every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there is a special event."

To play off the city's rich architectural history, the "Walk Buffalo" self-guided tours of some of downtown Buffalo's landmark buildings has been revived. "Walk Buffalo" tour books are available in a number of area hotels and attractions with the buildings designated by newly-painted blue buffaloes on the sidewalk in front of each structure. The paint was donated by Millington Lockwood Business Interiors.

Geiger said the "Walk Buffalo" tours are being promoted to tie in with a marketing effort to highlight the region's cultural and architectural heritage.

"We need to capitalize on these amenities," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.