The Beat

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Shares Preliminary Direct Spend Estimates From Eclipse Weekend Overnight Visitation

Lake Placid, NY (April 15, 2024) – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has reviewed and calculated the estimated direct spend of Essex County overnight visitation during the total solar eclipse. Initial estimates are valued at more than $2.7 million.

From April 6 to April 9, Nearly One Million Visitors Came to New York State Parks – A 45 Percent Increase in Attendance Compared to 2023

New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority Facilities Hosted Special Viewing Events, Welcoming More Than 10,000 Visitors

New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation Recorded Significant Increases in Vehicle Travel

 On April 7 and April 8, New York Power Authority Provided Nearly Double the Charging Miles for Electric Vehicles When Compared to the Previous Week

 Governor Hochul Visited Niagara Falls State Park to Experience the Total Solar Eclipse; Photos and B-Roll Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced record-setting tourism numbers in New York from April 6 to April 9 as visitors arrived for the total solar eclipse. Nearly one million people visited New York State Parks from April 6 to April 9 – an increase of 45 percent compared to last year. The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation recorded significant increases in vehicle travel, and the New York Power Authority provided nearly double the charging miles for electric vehicles when compared to the previous week. Governor Hochul was one of 45,000 visitors who experienced Monday’s celestial event at Niagara Falls State Park.

April 27^th & 28^th from 11-6pm

Lake Ontario Wine Trail, N.Y. - The Lake Ontario Wine Trail is kicking off its season with the annual event, Roll Out the Barrels! Travel the trail at your leisure over the weekend of April 27^th & 28^th and enjoy special access to pre-release or newly released wines, ciders, and beer!…

Adirondack Campgrounds and Related Facilities Remain Closed as Unsafe Winter Conditions Continue

Travelers Urged to Stay Informed as Weather Forecast is Subject to Change

New Yorkers Urged to Prepare for High Traffic Volume and Backups Throughout the Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today provided updated viewing location information for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, and offered additional resources to those who are planning to view the eclipse on Monday. Unsafe winter conditions are expected in the Adirondack backcountry during and after this week’s storm, with upwards of 18 inches of snow in high elevations, as well as mixed precipitation with ice accumulations and high winds. When combined with wet, heavy snow, strong and gusty winds have the potential to down large tree limbs and smaller trees, with power outages already reported. The accumulation of additional snow will add to the four feet of snowpack that currently exists at high elevations today.

Winner will receive hotel and entrance for two at many area attractions

Lake Placid, NY (April 3, 2024) – The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has established a contest, rewarding one lucky winner the opportunity to return to the region post-eclipse.

Participants Will Celebrate New York’s Public Lands by Volunteering in Cleanup and Stewardship Events Throughout the State

Events Include Canal Clean Sweep from April 19-21 and I Love My Park Day on May 4

Efforts Align With Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Announcement to Plant 25 Million Trees Across New York State by 2033  

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State agencies and partners will celebrate a series of stewardship days to help enhance parks, historic sites and public lands. Service projects during four events held throughout the year will raise awareness and visibility of the state’s many outdoor recreation assets and their needs during the Love Our New York Lands Stewardship Days.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with seven Saratoga County farms for exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. The Museum’s farm tour series kicks off Saturday, April 27, at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds. There will be a total of eight tours — including a special visit to Old Tavern Farm during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival — with the series concluding in October.

Oneida County, NY - Oneida County Tourism (OCT), the official tourism promotion agency for Oneida County, NY, has announced the launch of the brand-new Discover Utica Trail, a digital trail which highlights local businesses in Utica with a focus on restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, and attractions.

The mobile, interactive trail – which can be accessed on the Oneida County Tourism website – features over 100 businesses throughout the city of Utica. Anyone can sign up on the OCT website and follow the prompts to enter their phone number and email address. The trail is a free, mobile-optimized web application.

Governor Hochul Signed Legislation to Expand State Parks’ Lifetime Liberty Pass Program and Offer Free Entry for New York State Veterans and Gold Star Families Beginning on April 1, 2024

Initiative Part of the Governor’s Commitment to Provide Resources and Support to Veterans and Their Families

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that beginning on Monday, April 1, 2024, New York State veterans and Gold Star Families will have free access to New York State parks, campgrounds, day use areas, historic sites, and recreation areas through the expansion of the Lifetime Liberty Pass Program. Governor Hochul signed a package of legislation in November 2023 to support veterans and their families, which included this initiative.