Fam Bus Event Cover_SylvanUtica, NY (July 9, 2020) — Oneida County Tourism (OCT) is excited to announce an updated version of their 10th Annual Ambassador (FAM) Tour. The event has gotten a refresh given the circumstances and physical distancing guidelines. OCT typically hosts with local hoteliers and residents to explore all the county has to offer during a one-day tour. This year, OCT has partnered with CNY Kiss, Bug Country, Talk of the Town and Wellnesste Lodge & Sanctuary to showcase attractions that can be visited during the summer while remaining safe.

Beginning Friday, July 10, OCT will launch their FAM Bus Fridays Video Series. This series of pre-recorded videos will continue each Friday through August 7 and all videos will appear on OCT’s Facebook page as well as the Facebook pages of the radio stations. As a bonus, they partnered with Wellnesste Lodge & Sanctuary in Taberg to offer one lucky winner a 2-night ‘Hometown Hideaway’ in the Happy Camper Bus.

Christophe Marin, owner of Wellnesste, said, “I've always enjoyed the bus tours and learning about the diversity of amazing businesses & resources located right here in Oneida County and Central NY.  When the good folks at Oneida County Tourism came up with the idea of a virtual bus tour for 2020, we were onboard (literally and figuratively) right away!  We're both happy and proud to be part of this year's unique virtual bus tour and to provide our one-of-a-kind cabin on wheels (The Happy Camper Bus) as the grand prize for one lucky winner.”

OCT hopes that this year’s series will help highlight some great attractions that are ideal for locals to visit with friends and family. They are focusing on locations that offer space and nature to ease the minds of visitors. As the travel and tourism industry begins to reopen, people are looking for places to visit within driving distance. This video tour is the perfect way to educate locals and support the small businesses who have had a challenging year. Week 1 will feature what is happening in the Sylvan Beach community.

Dan Cifonelli, owner of the Pancake House, stated, "History, beauty and fun come together at Sylvan Beach in a special and unique way. I am honored to serve and help promote this growing resort and community. With the local restaurants open, natural beauty, sandy beaches and several construction project completions this year including the Oneida Indian Nation’s Lake House, the FAM Tour is a perfect way to show off why Sylvan Beach is thee spot to vacation.  

Said Kelly Blazosky, President of Oneida County Tourism, “Our annual Familiarization (FAM) Tour has been a highlight and kick off to the peak travel season we look forward to each year. It's important for frontline staff in the hospitality and travel industry, as well as local residents, to have first-hand experiences of our local attractions. We encourage residents, business owners and their staff to be Local Ambassadors prepared to share current information on what to see and do locally. It benefits local business and helps ensure that people visiting our area for a day or a week, on business or on a getaway, will have a memorable and enjoyable experience. This year we are making it easy for everyone to participate and join us for an online series to learn more about Oneida County attractions. In this challenging time, it's imperative that everyone is engaged with their community, is ready to put their best foot forward and be an Ambassador for the area!”

To see the Wellnesste preview video and enter to win the giveaway, visit here. To view all events on Facebook, visit here. The full schedule of events is:

Friday, 7/10 – Sylvan Beach Community (Sylvan Beach, NY)

Friday, 7/17 – Wagner Farms (Rome, NY)

Friday, 7/24 – Adirondack Railroad Rail Bikes (Thendara, NY)

Friday, 7/31 – Nostro Restobar & Lounge (Utica, NY)

Friday, 8/7 – 7 Hamlets Brewing Company (Westmoreland, NY)

Oneida County Tourism would like to extend their gratitude to Roser Communications, Wellnesste Lodge, Young Scholars LLP of Utica, The Genesis Group and all tourism partners who made this series possible.

 

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Contact: Sarah Foster

Director of Media Relations

(315) 749-8958