The Beat

Ticonderoga, N.Y. – Fort Ticonderoga recently unveiled a new responsive and multi-lingual website, featuring stunning visuals that capture Fort Ticonderoga’s scenic beauty and many programs extending across the historic site’s 2,000-acre landscape and onto the waters of Lake Champlain. The website project was supported, in part, by a grant from New York State’s Division of Tourism/I LOVE NY through the Market New York program as part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards.

Revamped Elevator Now Open for 212-Foot Ride to the Top 

Next Round of Improvements Will Include a New Friends Pavilion 

View Photos of the New Welcome Center and Renderings of Future Pavilion Here 

NEW YORK – June 20, 2019 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the $3 million Dutchess Welcome Center at the eastern approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The multipurpose facility creates a new welcoming gateway in time for the Hudson Valley tourism destination's 10th anniversary. Governor Cuomo announced the next phase of improvements will include a new pavilion and expanded gathering space at the Poughkeepsie entrance.

Finger Lakes Region boasts over 75 hiking and biking trails

Pittsford, N.Y. - The American Hiking Society has designated the first Saturday in June - this year, June 1, 2019 - as National Trails Days®, a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service. The public is invited to hike, bike, run, birdwatch, clean up and more along public lands and trails, with numerous events taking place throughout the Finger Lakes region and even more hiking and biking trails available to explore on one's own.

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."…

Capture the distinctive character of the Canal Corridor and be featured in the Erie Canalway Calendar

Waterford, N.Y. – Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit entries for the 14^th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Photos should convey the wealth of things to do and see along the waterway and express the beauty and unique character of the canal and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2020 Erie Canalway calendar.

Transforms Landmark Terminal, Long Considered an Architectural Marvel, Into World-Class, 512 Room Hotel  

Project Creates 3,700 Union Construction Jobs and 795 Union Hotel Jobs 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, together with New York-based hotel investment firm MCR, today announced the opening of the historic TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport. The project transforms the former Trans World Airlines terminal, which was designed by world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen in 1962 and closed to the public in 2001, into the centerpiece of a modern 512-room hotel that will preserve its mid-century design and offer lodging and best-in-class services to millions of travelers each year. The new hotel, which was announced by Governor Cuomo in 2016, builds on the historic $13 billion vision plan to transform JFK airport into a 21st century facility that will continue to serve as the nation's premier international gateway.

Waterford, N.Y. - When the NYS Canal System opens on May 17, kayaks and canoes will share the waterway with cruisers and powerboats, thanks to the New York State Canalway Water Trail Guidebook and Navigational Map Set released by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The complimentary guidebook and maps includes a mile-by-mile description of launch sites, paddler-friendly facilities and amenities, and places of interest for over 450 miles of the NYS Canal System, including the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego and Champlain canals.

The guidebook and maps are available to order ($10 shipping and handling fee) or download online at: eriecanalway.org/watertrail

“This guidebook is an invitation to paddlers to discover the history, beauty, and adventure of paddling the canals.” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “Paddlers will navigate century old locks, pass stunning stone aqueducts, and experience narrow flatwater stretches and wide river segments.”…

Albany, NY — Discover Albany is leading the travel and tourism community during National Travel and Tourism Week (May 5-11), by highlighting who comes to our market.

“On average, there are more than 4,343 visitors to Albany County each day. This year, as we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, our staff is heading out into the community, and beyond, to promote Albany, interact with the visitors and learn more about what we can do to increase traveler spending in our area,” says Jill Delaney, President and CEO of Discover Albany. “According to the most recent economic impact numbers, thanks in part to our ongoing efforts, travelers spent $970 million in Albany County, generated $125 million in state and local taxes."…

New-Build, Emission-Free Vessels to be Launched During 2019 Season

Rendering Available Here …

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. …