NEWSLETTER
Cayuga County (May 2026) – Marking its 31st anniversary, Tour Cayuga will host its second annual Where Tourism Meets Community luncheon on Wednesday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Emerson Park Pavilion in Auburn. The event brings together tourism partners, local businesses, elected officials, community organizations, hospitality professionals and residents for an afternoon focused on connection, recognition and the shared role tourism plays in Cayuga County’s economy and quality of life.
Featured speaker Bob Provost, President and CEO of the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), will deliver a statewide perspective on how tourism done right drives responsible, sustainable economic growth, and members of the Internal Planning Team for the proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway will give a presentation on the statewide initiative as we approach Freedom 2027, which commemorates the bicentennial of the end of enslavement in NYS.
New this year, Tour Cayuga will also present its annual themed tourism awards during the luncheon. The America 250 Tourism Impact Award recognizes exceptional work that helps residents and visitors connect with the stories, places and community experiences that give our county its distinct role in the nation’s 250th anniversary. The award will honor projects, programs, events or partnerships that celebrate local heritage, strengthen pride of place and invite meaningful public engagement with America 250.
The idea for the first Where Tourism Meets Community event held in May 2025 was inspired by the Destinations International Advocacy Summit and findings from a resident sentiment study conducted by Tour Cayuga. Residents expressed strong support for tourism and a desire to learn more and get involved. “Tour Cayuga has long advocated for the strength and value of Cayuga County’s tourism industry, and this is our opportunity to share tourism’s story with the people it touches most,” said Tour Cayuga Executive Director Courtney Kasper. “We encourage greater engagement with our agency to reinforce the collaboration necessary to advance the county’s visitor economy and inclusive approach of making tourism more visible and accessible.”
Tourism remains one of Cayuga County’s important economic drivers, supporting local jobs, small businesses, cultural institutions, events, and public revenue. In 2024, visitors spent more than $157 million, supporting more than 1,500 local jobs, and generating more than $18 million in state and local taxes. Where Tourism Meets Community reflects Tour Cayuga’s broader tourism advocacy message: that tourism benefits residents as well as visitors. A strong visitor economy helps sustain local businesses, strengthen community pride, and bring outside spending into Cayuga County communities throughout the year.
The luncheon will be held at the Emerson Park Pavilion, located at 6877 East Lake Road in Auburn, NY. The event is open to the public, with advance registration. For more information or to register, call Tour Cayuga at (315) 255-1658, e-mail info@tourcayuga.com, or reserve a ticket via Eventbrite at bit.ly/TC-Summit
I have attached a photo from last year's summit.
About Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) is Cayuga County’s tourism promotion agency. We increase tourism and related revenues through promotion and research-based targeted marketing, and we improve the visitor experience by providing data and training to local hospitality industry providers. We continuously work to increase tourism and improve the visitor experience, which in turn stimulates economic growth and sustains recreational and cultural opportunities in the County.
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