Advocacy Committee

Make tourism advocacy a part of your mission!

The Advocacy Committee supports NYSTIA members by providing access to information, initiatives and resources at both the state and national level needed to support and defend New York State's tourism industry.  In particular, outreach efforts and event marketing/presentations articulate effective positioning for the industry and articulate the principles of tourism stewardship and evangelism.
 
NYSTIA's Advocacy Committee meets virtually on the second Monday of every month to discuss emerging issues at all educational materials, take action on tourism-related legislation, share results from member advocacy surveys, create tourism advocacy talking points, present on panels, publish advocacy campaigns, and more. Committee members also take part in legislative fly-ins across the state and country, and specific committee members liaison with U.S. Travel, Destinations International and our association colleagues (NYSHTA, PTNY, MANY, CONY, etc.) in New York State . NYSTIA's Advocacy Committee is open to all NYSTIA members.
"Tourism enriches New Yorker's lives in many ways. When done right, it drives sustainable growth by creating jobs, revitalizing communities, supporting small businesses, and generating tax revenue. In 2023, 306 million visitors to New York State fueled $88 billion in spending and $11 billion in tax revenue, enhancing quality of life for all. Tourism isn’t one-size-fits-all—each community, from the Adirondacks to NYC, must align it with local values and it will foster pride of place. Partnering with NYSTIA enables collaboration across sectors, delivering exceptional outcomes statewide."

- Hillarie Logan-Dechene
Chair, NYSTIA Advocacy Committee
Deputy Director, The Wild Center

"NYSTIA plays a vital role in advancing New York’s tourism economy, with advocacy at the forefront of this effort. By helping our diverse membership grow and succeed, we foster an environment where tourism thrives, creating opportunities for local businesses and communities. Being a member of the Advocacy Committee offers an invaluable chance to contribute to the process actively, shaping policies and initiatives that support and strengthen our industry. Together, we empower the future of tourism in New York State."

- Jeff Shipley
Co-Chair, NYSTIA Advocacy Committee
President & CEO, Discover Seneca & Seneca County Chamber

"Tourism advocacy is about more than policy—it’s about having the ability to speak the language of tourism in every room where decisions are made. In New York State, the NYSTIA Advocacy Committee serves as a vital resource, translating the economic, social, and community value of destination development for legislators, stakeholders, and residents alike. We ensure tourism promotion is clearly understood, broadly supported, and recognized as an essential public good.”

- Amanda Dana 
Co-Chair, NYSTIA Advocacy Committee 
Director of Tourism, Orange County, New York

NYSTIA's Advocacy Committee Members:

Josiah Brown - Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, President/CTO, New York's Best Experiences

Ed Carr - Director of Advocacy & Stewardship, Discover Long Island

Amanda Dana - Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Director Tourism & Film, Orange County

Cassandra Harrington - President & CEO, This Is Cooperstown

Bren Jobe - Creative Director, Corporate Communications

David Kinyon - Director of Economic Development, Town of Lockport

Hillarie Logan-Dechene - Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Deputy Director, The Wild Center

Jeff Shipley - Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, President & CEO, Discover Seneca

Steve Strauss - Executive Director, Empire State Passengers Association

Rachele Markle - NYSTIA Staff Liaison

Join NYSTIA's Advocacy Committee: