The Beat

Revitalization of Former Theme Park Site Will Bolster Local Economy, Serve as Gateway to Recreational Opportunities in the Adirondacks

Campers Can Book Reservations at State's Newest Campground

Final State Management Plan Issued for Hammond Pond Wild Forest

NEW YORK – June 26, 2019 – The construction of the new Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area in the Adirondacks was completed today. The new public campground, on the site of the former Frontier Town theme park in the town of North Hudson, is a signature piece of the Governor's "Gateway to the Adirondacks" tourism hub. To date, an estimated total of $25 million in public/private resources has been committed to the project.

20-Acre Complex Includes Bike Park, Event Lawn, Multi-Use Trail, Habitat Restoration and Food Truck Plaza

Photos of the Lakeside Complex are Available Here

NEW YORK – May 28, 2019 – The new Lakeside Complex on Buffalo's Outer Harbor opened on Friday, May 24^th. The 20-acre site includes a new bike park, event lawn, trail for walking or cycling and beautiful landscaping to attract more visitors and residents to the city's waterfront.

"This latest investment in Buffalo's waterfront adds to the year-round experience that is already attracting more than a million visitors annually to enjoy this flourishing area," Governor Cuomo said. "The new Lakeside Complex highlights Buffalo's natural beauty while expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors on the shores of Lake Erie."…

New Attractions and Destinations Provide Great Opportunities to Learn, Stay and Play Across the State This Vacation Season

New York, NY – May 6, 2019: New York State is home to endless possibilities for families seeking diverse summer vacation options, thanks to new attractions, accommodations and experiences opening this spring and summer. Countless opportunities await travelers of all ages and interests at museums that encourage learning, cool hotels for guests of all ages, and exciting theme parks and fairs statewide.

“New York State is a welcoming, easy-to-navigate and fun-filled destination for families year-round, and we really thrive in the summer,” I LOVE NY Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said. “With great weather for outdoor activities, scenic highways for road trips, and an array of exciting new museums, hotels and amusement park rides, it’s an ideal time for families to find what they love.”…

A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels Property to Open in March

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, January 2019 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has added The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark to its expanding Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand operating portfolio. Located in Monticello, in New York’s Catskill Mountains, the new property will open in March 2019 on 1,600 wooded acres, the site of the Resorts World Catskills entertainment complex. The new luxury hotel will include a state-of-the-art, two-acre indoor waterpark with activities and amenities geared to family fun. The hotel and indoor waterpark will also feature multiple dining options, a relaxing spa, a ropes course, and an entertainment arcade. Guests will have access to cutting-edge gaming at Resorts World Catskills and can tee off at the world-famous Monster Golf Course. The accommodations will include 324 luxury suites.

New Bathhouse and Concession Building, Dune Restoration and "Green" Parking Lots Represent First Major Improvement to the Park in 50 Years

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced work has started on a $5.2 million beach area renovation project at Southwick Beach State Park on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. The project will be the first major improvement to the popular beachfront park in 50 years and will feature a new bathhouse and concession building as well as restored dunes and new "green" parking lots to enhance environmental protection at the park.

"State parks are essential to New York's thriving tourism industry and are gateways to the natural beauty the Empire State has to offer," Governor Cuomo said. "The addition of a new bathhouse and concession building combined with dune restoration and other environmental protection measures will help revitalize Southwick Beach State Park and create an even more welcoming destination for tourists and residents alike."…

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.

Upscale Destination Hotel Will Attract Visitors and Revenue to the Region

A Photo of the Hotel on the Harbor is Available Here     

NEW YORK – September 7, 2018 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of the $38 million Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in Western New York. The hotel is located on a nine-acre parcel that was once home to the Celoron Amusement Park, which closed in 1962. The design of the hotel pays homage to the history of the Village of Celron, including the amusement park and comedy great Lucille Ball, who was born in the community.

With new experiences like unique dining, craft beverages, thrill rides and family-friendly destinations, there's something new for everyone

New York (August 27, 2018) – As the summer heat fades and the air begins to cool to an autumn crispness, New York State’s world class fall foliage starts to shine, and new attractions across the state complement the fall colors to make an even more memorable New York experience. Food and drink options are always top of mind, and this season includes new guided craft beverage tours and a pop-up farm-to-table restaurant using hyper-local ingredients. Plus, because New Yorkers love adventure and culture, the latest crop of tourism highlights includes thrill rides, a restored historic theater and the revival of an influential music venue as a supper club.

Storied Chain Cuts Ribbon on $20 Million, 82,000 Square-Foot, Five-Story, 125-Room Hotel in Downtown Corning

Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the Hilton Garden Inn in the City of Corning, Steuben County is now officially open for business. Company and elected officials cut the ribbon on the $20 million, 82,000 square-foot, five-story, 125-room hotel. The state-of-the-art hotel also features a restaurant, meeting room, indoor pool and fitness center. The project involved the demolition of an old hotel and bakery to make room for the new facility.

Go glamping by a mountain lake, find inspiration at a retreat frequented by Mark Twain and Henry David Thoreau, or saddle up at a dude ranch at new and redesigned hotels across the Empire State

NEW YORK – July 19, 2018 – As autumn's vibrant colors spread and harvest festivals kick into gear, New York State becomes an ideal location for a weekend or weeklong getaway. A rich array of new, updated and redesigned places to stay will add new dimensions to your next Empire State vacation, from mountainside glamping to a sleek urban hotel complete with an indoor basketball court, to a historic inn filled with tales—including those of ghostly visitors.