The Beat

Schenectady, N.Y. (December 6, 2023) - The Schenectady County Historical Society announced today a grant award totaling $30,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts
(NYSCA) to support the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Through New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture, NYSCA has awarded over $80 million since Spring 2023 to over 1,500 artists and organizations across the state.

Liberty, NY — The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2023 Tourism Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contributions to the Sullivan Catskills region.

They will be recognized at the SCVA’s annual meeting and cocktail party to be held on Wednesday, December 6 at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Waterford, N.Y. - The public is invited to pick up a free 2024 Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor calendar starting December 1, 2023 at selected libraries and visitor centers throughout the National Heritage Corridor. The calendar features winning images from this year’s Erie Canalway photo contest. 

“This calendar is a wonderful reminder of the extraordinary scenic beauty, history, and recreational opportunities of the New York State Canal System. Stretching across the full expanse of upstate New York, the canals are an amazing asset for communities, residents, and visitors alike. We hope people pick up a calendar and feel inspired to preserve and enjoy this historic waterway,” said Bob Radliff, Erie Canalway Executive Director.

Grants Awarded Through REDC Initiative to 59 Capital and Working Capital Projects Across New York State

Full List of REDC Awardees To-Date Can be Found Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that nearly $15 million has been awarded through the Market New York program to support 59 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Market New York funding supports tourism capital improvement projects and regionally-themed marketing projects that promote travel destinations, attractions and special events. The program and projects supported through its funding align with each region's long-term strategic plans for economic growth. In total, nearly $122 million has been awarded through the Market New York program to assist over 640 regional tourism projects across the state.

April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Expected to Draw Thousands to City 

Next Total Solar Eclipse To Be Seen in the Contiguous United States Not Until August 23, 2044

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation along with several tourism stakeholders in Niagara Falls, NY will be collaborating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to provide programming and special events around the Total Solar Eclipse that will take place on April 8, 2024.

Liberty, NY – Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) is excited to announce the production of the highly anticipated 2024 Sullivan Catskills Travel Guide. This comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for discovering the hidden gems, exciting activities, and picturesque landscapes that Sullivan County has to offer.

Visitors spent $1.1 billion in Orange County in 2022, New Report Says

Orange County, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2023) – Tourism’s vital and dynamic impact on Orange County soared in 2022, with visitor spending reaching $1.1 billion, up 22% from 2021 and exceeding pre-pandemic spending by 6%, according to a new report.

The study, “Economic Impact of Visitors In New York 2022: Hudson Valley Focus,” was produced by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company. Data showed that visitors to New York State spent nearly $79 billion, which represented an increase of $27 billion from 2021 and surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 level for the first time.

Continues to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels of Visitor-Generated Revenue

Sullivan Catskills — The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association is thrilled to announce a significant increase in tourism spending that has invigorated the region's economy and positioned it as a premier travel destination. Sullivan County has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, highlighting its enduring appeal and unique offerings to visitors from near and far.

Lake Placid, NY (September 27, 2023) - The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has received two awards from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) in a ceremony that took place during the organization’s 2023 annual meeting in Rochester earlier this month.

The awards recognize outstanding initiatives and achievements of New York state’s destination marketing organizations, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses. Categories included marketing campaigns, destination management initiatives, location stewardship, innovation and leadership.

Orange County, N.Y.  – Get your hands on the latest Orange County, NY Travel Guide – your premier source for the most up-to-date information on the area's one-of-a-kind attractions that continue to captivate tourists from all corners of the globe.

Just 50 miles north of New York City in the heart of the Hudson River Valley, Orange County, N.Y., offers a bounty of experiences, excitement and rejuvenation for everyone…