News

Last week, we had the pleasure to welcome more than 300 tourism professionals to Utica for the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference. This year marked a new attendance benchmark. We had to close registration due to capacity (for the first time ever) a full week before the conference. The result: a…

After the New York State Tourism Conference, we brought your Tourism Champion booth to the Ottawa Outdoor + Adventure Travel Show at the Nepean Sportsplex in Ottawa, Canada. The two-day show drew over 5,000 attendees and we had a premium corner booth location at the front of the show. Attendees…

City of Buffalo and Silo City Awarded State Grant for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Public Viewings and Community Programming Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Buffalo’s Silo City will serve as a premier destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, projecting five select matches onto the…

Prominent Members of Founder’s Family Nominated by State Parks for Efforts to Combat Slavery  Two African American New York Abolitionists Also Added to Hall of Fame Located in Madison County  New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and…

I didn't get to travel much as a kid. But today, I can confidently credit travel for the empathy I’ve developed throughout my life. Every trip I take changes my world view - sometimes just a little, and sometimes a whole lot.  Good afternoon, as Bob said I am the “newly minted” Cassandra…

WATERFORD, NY — As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is launching Revolutionary Experiences road trips along New York’s historic waterways. These self-guided itineraries invite residents and visitors alike to explore the people,…

View Images Here The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced that 10 projects and individuals have been recognized with 2026 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. This year’s awards recognize preservation advocates for…

Briana Konecke is the Founder of Rural Tourism Network (RTN), a New York-based consulting and research organization dedicated to helping rural communities harness tourism as a driver of economic development and cultural preservation. RTN works at the intersection of destination strategy,…

On Thursday morning, April 23 at the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference, representatives of the NYSTIA  Workforce Development Committee will provide an overview of the committee’s work over the past year. Attendees will hear about key initiatives, including the launch of a new…

We are firmly in the “age of advocacy” as an industry.  Tourism departments and their funding models are being challenged or even attacked at record levels nationally.  Tourism leaders today are required to do more than just focus on driving visitation. They’re being called to demonstrate…

Cayuga County, April 2026 — The Cayuga County Tourism Office is pleased to announce the 2026 Tour Cayuga Tourism Support Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support public programming that celebrates Cayuga County and encourages visitation to the destination. Now in its fifth year, the…

A critical shift in U.S. Customs and Border Protection policy is moving toward final approval and could impact travelers from key feeder markets, including Europe, Japan, and Australia as early as Summer 2026. The proposal would require travelers to disclose detailed family information and five…

Your Tourism Champions booth was on display at the Dream Destinations Travel Show at the MGM Springfield in Springfield, MA, on April 12th. We had steady traffic through the booth, with many New Englanders eager to explore New York State. Many families and retirees came through the booth during the…

Sean T. Fitzpatrick is Chief Marketing Officer at Overit, a nationally recognized creative agency based in Albany, NY. Overit, a national full-service marketing and communications agency, brings deep expertise in travel and hospitality, including destinations, hotels, tourism organizations, and…

On Wednesday afternoon, April 22 at the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference, Sarah Just, Director of Sales and Conference Services at Turning Stone Enterprises, will provide an update on the new developments at Turning Stone. Gain insight on upcoming projects, enhancements to meetings and…

On Wednesday, April 22 at the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference, rove co-founder James Sauter will moderate a panel of tourism industry thought leaders who will discuss the rapidly evolving use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impacts across all aspects of the tourism…

The following message is taken directly from the NYATEP newsletter: We are pleased to share an important leadership announcement for the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP). NYATEP has appointed Chris Neale as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1,…

As New York State destinations face increasing pressure to maximize impact with limited resources, a strategic approach of repackaging existing assets offers a timely and cost-effective way to generate new energy, visitor interest, and local pride. Join us at the 2026 New York State Tourism…

New augmented reality experience brings Ontario County’s history to life through interactive storytelling and on-site exploration  Canandaigua, NY — Visit Finger Lakes (www.VisitFingerLakes.com) is pleased to announce the launch of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum during…

As traveler demand shifts toward outdoor recreation, authentic experiences, and slower, place-based travel, New York’s trail network is uniquely positioned to support resilient tourism growth. Join us at the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference in Utica, New York, where Erica Schneider, Policy…