The Beat

Adirondack-themed Gateway Supports Regional Tourism and Products

NEW YORK – September 20, 2018 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of a new state-of-the-art Adirondacks Welcome Center rest area in Queensbury, Warren County. The Welcome Center will serve as a comfortable, modern gateway to the Adirondacks region, promoting local attractions and providing a family-friendly respite for travelers heading into New York's six-million-acre Adirondack Park, the largest publicly protected park in the contiguous United States.

"Tourism is a key economic driver for New York, and the new Adirondacks Welcome Center will attract even more new and returning visitors to enjoy the unparalleled views and countless outdoor activities offered in this region," Governor Cuomo said. "This new gateway will provide millions of Northway travelers a warm welcome as they arrive to the beautiful Adirondack Park, driving tourism and promoting economic growth across our great state."…

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.

Tops List of Ten Best Wine Regions in the United States

Pittsford, N.Y. - After four weeks of voting by the public, the Finger Lakes Region has been named the best wine region in the United States in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award contest. The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC), the official 14-county tourism promotion agency as recognized by I Love NY, was thrilled to receive notice of this honor.

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.

Syracuse (August 21, 2018) -- Onondaga County visitors spent approximately $865 million locally in 2017, according to a Tourism Economics report released by New York State. The report highlights tourism trends throughout the state and each of its regions, including the 14-county Finger Lakes vacation region. 

“The numbers show that our local tourism industry is stable,” said Visit Syracuse President Danny Liedka. “We are focused on doing our part to help these numbers climb, and to show that Onondaga County is a first class destination.”…

Indian Lake, N.Y. - A study conducted jointly by the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) and the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce confirms that snowmobilers contribute to Hamilton County communities by generating overnight stays at local hotels and motels, and dining in restaurants. 

Of the snowmobilers who completed the survey, more than one-third of them stayed overnight, booking an average of 2.85 nights with an average party size of 4.2 people.

Poughkeepsie, N.Y.– Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, recently released their report “The Economic Impact of Tourism in New York” which showed 2017 tourism spending in Dutchess County increased 5.9% over 2016 to more than $601.5 million. This is the eighth consecutive year spending has increased and marks a 25% increase since 2013.

33rd Annual Competition Spotlights World-Class New York Wines and Ciders  

Awards Governor's Cup to Keuka Spring Vineyards, 2017 Gewürztraminer and First Ever Governor's Cider Cup to Kite & String's "Pioneer Pippin," and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Named Winery of the Year  

Finger Lakes Currently Leading USA Today Poll for Best Wine Region, Encourages New Yorkers to Vote Through August 20

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the winners of the 33rd New York Wine Classic, a nationally recognized competition highlighting the best of New York's wine and ciders.

Deadline for Entries is August 31, 2018

Waterford, N.Y. - Amateur and professional photographers are invited submit images for the 13^th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Images should convey the wealth of things to do and see along the waterway and express the unique character of the canal and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2019 Erie Canalway calendar.

Over 58,000 Jobs, over $3 Billion Spent by Visitors to Region in 2017

Pittsford, N.Y. - The newly released "Economic Impact of Tourism in New York" report by I Love NY announced the significant economic and employment impact of the tourism industry in the Finger Lakes region for 2017.

The Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC), the official tourism promotion agency for the Finger Lakes Vacation Region, assisted in bringing an over $3 billion in traveler spend to the area last year - which accounted for 17% of traveler spending in Upstate New York and 5% of all traveler spending in the entire State in 2017.