The Beat

Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council shares ways to celebrate May 5-11, 2019 

Pittsford, N.Y. - National Travel and Tourism Week, an initiative led by U.S. Travel Association, runs May 5-11, 2019, highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of the U.S. travel industry. This year's theme, "Travel Matters" focuses on the value of travel and its impact on the economy, local businesses, and personal well-being. In honor of the annual celebration, the Finger Lakes Vacation Region has put together various events, campaigns, and promotions. …

Community Celebration and Ribbon Cutting

Ithaca, N.Y. – The twelve partner organizations of the Tompkins Center for History and Culture invite the people of Tompkins County, the Finger Lakes, and New York to explore this new heritage tourism center on May 10^th at a Community Celebration and Ribbon Cutting.

Located on The Downtown Ithaca Commons at 110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY, the Tompkins Center for History & Culture will officially open to the public after years of planning and collaborative work by many. This grand opening will resurrect life into the former Tompkins Trust Company bank previously occupying the space. This new collaboration will creatively and collectively share the rich history, culture and artistic fabric of the community.

Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council releases list of venues across region

Pittsford, N.Y. - According to WeddingWire, 40% of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day. That means this period kicks of wedding planning season, with brides and grooms beginning their search for the perfect place for their nuptials. The Finger Lakes Vacation Region is home to a wide variety of wedding venues from beautiful barns to wineries with spectacular views.

To assist engaged couples find their truly distinctive nuptial locale, the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council, the official 14-county tourism promotion agency as designated by I Love NY, has compiled a comprehensive list of venues on the Finger Lakes regional website - FingerLakesTravelNY.com/etc/weddings/. A sampling of the creative venues are listed here.

Begins countdown to spring

Rochester, N.Y. (March 5, 2019) – Today, Rochester Lilac Festival organizers announced nineteen headliners and special guests to perform free shows at the 121^st annual event from May 10-19, 2019. With the Festival just 60 days away, Rochesterians can officially begin the countdown to the highly-anticipated festival season.

This year’s Festival continues the tradition of bringing big-name national performers to entertain more than 500,000 annual visitors from across the State and beyond. Performances will take place on the Sahlen’s Center Stage over the course of the 10-day free festival, the largest of its kind in the country. In total, there will be 70 group performances at this year’s Festival.

Ithaca, N.Y. – Visit Ithaca; the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and the Tompkins Tourism Program have teamed up to host a 2019 Agriculinary Tourism Conference at the Hotel Ithaca on March 5^th.

Organized for farmers, agriculture and culinary professionals looking to enhance or broaden their business offerings and revenue, the conference will offer a full day of learning opportunities that run the gamut from seed to table initiatives, to discussing the cost-benefit of hosting events or visitor overnights. 

U.S. Travel's "National Plan for Vacation Day" on January 29th encourages travel 

Pittsford, N.Y. - According to the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of Americans (52%) fail to use all of their time off, which adds up to 705 million unused vacation days. Americans who plan, and planning is key, are more likely to use all of their vacation time than non-planners.

So, U.S. Travel has committed to programming that encourages planning for vacations. Resources are available on their website to assist - including a vacation planning tool that allows users to input their number of days off and select specific dates for taking time off.

In support of this initiative, Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council, the official tourism promotion agency for the Finger Lakes as recognized by I LOVE NY, is also encouraging planning a vacation to the myriad of fabulous attractions in the Finger Lakes.

One-of-a-kind collaboration with I Love NY adds attraction and accommodation listings

Pittsford, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC) is pleased to reveal their recently refreshed website, FingerLakesTravelNY.com. The vacation region wanted a more robust experience for visitors and found the solution in a website system built on the Simpleview platform. The new website features rich photography, a blog sharing an insider's view to seasonal interests, an event calendar highlighting fun and festive experiences and a comprehensive listing feature. Listings on the Region's official website are ported directly from New York State's official website, ILoveNY.com,a unique ability available through Simpleview's technology and the relationship between I Love NY and the Finger Lakes Region.

Highlights New York's Progressive History of Promoting Social and Equal Rights

Opening Features Unveiling of Commemorative Statue of Harriet Tubman

Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn, Cayuga County. The Center serves to emphasize New York State's progressive history of promoting social and equal rights, celebrate New York's equal rights pioneers, and encourage tourism at the region's many attractions and destinations. The $10 million Center is funded and supported through the Governor's Central NY Rising Initiative, the region's comprehensive strategy to revitalize communities and grow the economy.

"New York's history is rich with progressive champions who fought for justice and equality for all, and it is critical that we honor those whose heroic efforts forged a better path for everyone," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is the progressive capital of the nation and as we continue leading the way to ensure full equality, the Equal Rights Heritage Center will serve as a poignant reminder of these important pioneers and inspire us all to keep up the fight."…

Victor, N.Y. — Indus Hospitality Group has completed a $1.8 million renovation of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Victor. The six-month project concluded in July at the 104-room hotel, of which 13 are suites. Enhancements include an extended lobby and breakfast area as well new carpet, paint, and décor in guest corridors and guest rooms.

Award-winning, family-owned Indus Hospitality group owns and operates more than 50 hotels and restaurants in the region, including the Victor Microtel, also located on Main Street Fishers in Victor. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Victor was built in 2006 and acquired by Penfield-based Indus in 2016. The hotel is located just off Thruway Exit 45 and I-490 and is near to Eastview Mall, Hill Cumorah, and the Finger Lakes region, and is 15 minutes from downtown Rochester.

Public Relations Campaign recognized by New York State Tourism Industry Association 

Pittsford, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC) was presented the Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing - Regional Level Award for their "Beyond Wine" public relations campaign by New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) at the Tourism Excellence Awards brunch on Friday, October 19 in Queensbury, N.Y.

As a region, the 14 counties of the Finger Lakes contract with New York-based Quinn PR to execute a public relations campaign that strengthens the Finger Lakes Region brand locally, state-wide and nationally.