The Beat

$9.7 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Projects Announced; $6.5 Million Watkins Glen State Park Gateway Complete

Announcement Complements "Southern Tier Soaring" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

New York, N.Y. – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an unprecedented $16.2 million investment to further enhance Watkins Glen's transformation into a world-class destination and cultural center - all part of his ongoing efforts to revitalize the upstate economy and create opportunities for the Southern Tier. The projects announced today include $9.7 million for 14 Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects throughout the village and the new $6.5 million main entrance to Watkins Glen State Park as part of Governor Cuomo's NY Parks 2020 program. The improvements are a component of Southern Tier Soaring, the region's blueprint for economic growth.

I LOVE NEW YORK, New York State's Iconic Tourism Campaign, Earns Gold REGGIE award for Mobile Tour, Gold Distinction at Shorty Awards and Bronze Adrian Award for Feature Article Placement

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that its Division of Tourism was recognized by various industry associations for excellence in experiential marketing, digital initiatives and public relations. I LOVE NEW YORK received a gold REGGIE at the 35^th annual awards celebrating achievements in marketing. The Division of Tourism also received gold distinction at the tenth annual Shorty Awards, and a bronze Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International.

AAP Picked as Best NYS Attraction in I LOVE NEW YORK’s Annual Contest

Harpursville, N.Y. – April 4, 2018 – Mark another W in the books for Animal Adventure Park! AAP, home to world-famous giraffes April, Oliver and Tajiri, has been declared the winner of I LOVE NEW YORK’s bracket of New York State attractions.

Animal Adventure Park acquired tens of thousands of votes and came out on top in four successful rounds of the contest, which began with 16 New York State attractions.

Roll the dice at a grand casino resort, hone your downward dog at a luxury wellness retreat, or stay at an inn where George Washington once slept, thanks to new and renovated hotels across the state

NEW YORK – March 12, 2018 – Across New York State, new resorts, hotels and inns are adding to the Empire State’s appeal for romantics, adventurers and families. Offering everything from wellness treatments to Las Vegas-style gaming, these new accommodations can put travelers in the heart of wherever they want to be, from culture-rich cities and quaint historic villages to pristine wilderness.

Marvel at the art of glassmaking, laugh out loud at the new National Comedy Center, or ride the rails on a tailored e-bike; this is just a sample of what's available for everyone to enjoy this summer in the Empire State

NEW YORK – New attractions and experiences are opening across New York State this summer. Visitors can experience free glassblowing demonstrations, while new curated bike tours along the Erie Canal make it easy and fun to be active. There are new engaging and interactive museums that bring to life everything from the Underground Railroad and Irish heritage, anchored by the highly anticipated opening of the National Comedy Center, a first-of-its-kind museum bringing the history and art of comedy to life.

I LOVE NEW YORK Empire State Tourism Conference Set for April 23-25

NEW YORK – March 19, 2018 – Tourism industry professionals will gather at the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady on April 23-25, for the annual I LOVE NEW YORK Empire State Tourism Conference, hosted by the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) and Empire State Development’s Division of Tourism. 

The theme of this year’s conference is “The Tourism Experience: Learn It. Do It. ❤ it!” Professional development topics will provide attendees with hands-on training and education in a variety of subjects intended to position them for short- and long-term success in building New York State tourism products and driving revenue for their destinations.

Will Oversee State’s I LOVE NEW YORK Tourism Promotion Efforts

Head Shot Available Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Ross D. Levi has been promoted to Executive Director of Tourism. He will lead the iconic I LOVE NEW YORK tourism program and help coordinate marketing efforts to increase awareness and promote statewide tourism visitation. In 2016, New York State welcomed a record 239 million visitors who spent nearly $65 billion, generating a total economic impact of more than $100 billion for the third straight year. Additionally, tourism remains the state’s fourth largest employer, supporting more than 914,000 jobs annually.

I LOVE NEW YORK 355 at The Glen Scheduled for August 6;
Project Supports "Southern Tier Soaring" – The Region’s Successful Upstate Revitalization Initiative to Grow the Economy and Create New Opportunities

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new partnership between Watkins Glen International and I LOVE NEW YORK, the state’s iconic tourism brand. Together, they will present The Glen’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race – the I LOVE NEW YORK 355 – on Sunday, August 6. The race is the marquee event of the August 3-6 race weekend at Watkins Glen International. It is the only Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race in New York State, and one of two road course races on the Cup Series schedule. Previously run as the Cheez-It 355 at The Glen, the “355” denotes the distance of the race – 90 laps for 220.5 miles – in kilometers.

239 Million Visitors Traveled to New York State Supporting Impact of More Than $100 Billion for Third Straight Year

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State's tourism industry set new records for total number of visitors, economic impact and direct spending in 2016. Last year, a record 239 million visitors traveled to New York State, generating an economic impact of $104.8 billion – exceeding $100 billion for the third straight year. In addition, visitors generated an all-time high $64.8 billion in direct spending. These figures each represent a nearly three percent increase over 2015, supported by the governor's unprecedented investments in the state’s booming tourism industry.

"New York's rich culture, diverse history, scenic beauty and outdoor reactional opportunities are second to none," Governor Cuomo said. "With a record $104.8 billion economic impact, New York’s tourism industry is stronger than ever before and as we continue to invest in the success of world-class destinations and attractions found at every corner of the state, more and more visitors will come to experience everything New York has to offer."…

ALBANY, NY (May 23, 2016) - A sense of awakening and freshness fills the air as spring takes hold of the Empire State. It's a great time to explore some of the exciting new things to do and see across New York.

To help chart the way, I LOVE NEW YORK has checked in with all 11 vacation regions and compiled a sampling of some of the Empire State's newest ways for locals, and visitors, to play, stay and have fun, from curated cider tastings to the highly-interactive and nostalgic Toy Halls of Fame.