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.

Romulus, N.Y. – The Sommelier Challenge is an annual competition held in San Diego that is judged entirely by panels of sommeliers, which represent some of the most esteemed restaurants in the country.  While the panel of judges are from throughout the United States, most are from some of the top restaurants in California.

Penguin Bay was awarded with two gold medals, a 91 point rating and two silver medals. The gold medal winners were the 2017 Dry Gewürztraminer and the 2015 Lemberger Pinot Noir, both of which received 91 point ratings. 2017 Dry Vidal Blanc and 2017 Dry Rosé brought home silver medals.

A 25% Discount Deal in Time for Canadian Thanksgiving

Timely promotion in Central New York offers Canadians “close to par” value pricing beginning October 7 on lodging at Embassy Suites by Hilton at Destiny USA

Syracuse, NY - Canadians looking for true value on a United States getaway can find it at Embassy Suites by Hilton at Destiny USA, New York State’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Beginning October 7, Canadians with proof of Canadian residency will enjoy essentially “at par” savings on overnight stays (subject to availability).

The rate being offered is based on an average exchange rate of 25%, covering the difference of a 25-cent-on-the-dollar conversion from Canadian to U.S. dollars. The package includes a suite at Embassy Suites by Hilton at Destiny USA, plus a Stay & Save Savings Pass with over 40 special offers with a combined savings of nearly $500.

Ithaca, N.Y. - Ithacans, Mystics and Visitors - grab your fantastical garb and get ready for Ithaca’s Fourth Annual Wizarding Weekend on October 26-28. This unique festival of science and fantasy connects the community of one of New York’s most beautiful cities with the worldwide magical community through interactive exhibits, themed activities, exclusive events, special guests and more!

Wand dueling, human chess, slime potion making, Feed the Dragons and Wheel of Magic games, living portraits, and Quidditch practices and matches are among the returning favorites. This year there’ll be musical performances by Tonks and the Aurors, Time Crash, Ashley Trix and the WZRDS, The Blibbering Humdingers, Fall Creek Brass Band, Hawthorn, and Holly, as well as themed performances by Moreland the Magician, Christopher Strange Witch Doctor, Zajal the Sugar Plum Fairy and Friends, LilySilly Puppets, and BubbleMania as well as interactive exhibits by the Cornell Raptor Program, Ithaca Physics Bus, and Cayuga Nature Center.

Award Winning Harvest Trail celebrates its "legal" birthday

Wayne County, N.Y. - The annual Wayne County Apple Tour celebrates its 21st birthday this fall. Since 1997, apple lovers throughout western and central New York have explored Wayne County to pick fresh apples, enjoy the fall colors, and enjoy a day of family fun. The Apple Tour tradition has grown through the years, and so has its offerings for adults. Now home to three wineries, three cideries and one distillery, there's plenty for friends, couples, and even Mom and Dad to enjoy.

Best Public Relations Campaign from U.S. Travel Association  

Pittsford, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC), the official 14-county tourism promotion agency as recognized by I Love NY, was awarded a Destiny Award by U.S. Travel Association for its 2017 national public relations campaign, which produced over 2.1 billion impressions and nearly 500 media placements. 

U.S. Travel Association's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. They recognize excellence and creative accomplishments in destination marketing and promotion through their Destiny Awards, which are presented at their annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO), this year held in Phoenix, Arizona, August 11-14, 2018.

The museum will also host a free discussion at noon as part of Museum Day,

Looking for Frederick Douglass: Resources in Libraries, Museums, and Archives

Rochester, N.Y., September 4, 2018—The George Eastman Museum will be open to the public for FREE on Saturday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the spirit of Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day, the Eastman Museum is opening its doors to all visitors for the day to encourage the Rochester community to experience the photography exhibitions David Levinthal: War, Myth, Desire and Gail Albert Halaban: Out My Window, and the History of Photography Gallery, as well as hands-on activities for all ages in the Discovery Room.