Feb 17, 2026
New Tourism Excellence Award a part of increased collaboration between Towns & Tourism Industry
Amanda Dana, Director of Tourism & Film for Orange County, joined New York Association of Towns (NYAOT) Executive Director Chris Koetzle and NYSTIA President & CEO Bob Provost onstage at the NYAOT Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon on February 16, 2026 to present the inaugural 'Tourism In Our Towns' Tourism Excellence Award.
"I am pleased that we have been able to collaborate with our colleagues at the New York State Tourism Industry Association to establish this new addition to our awards." stated NYAOT's Chris Koetzle in his introductory remarks.
Speaking at the event (held at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City), Amanda spoke highly of the plans and achievement of the Town of Cornwall in Orange County (see detail below) and presented the award to Town Supervisor Joshua T. Wojehowski.
This new award recognizes a New York State town that has proactively harnessed the visitor economy to drive sustainable, responsible economic growth; create local jobs; support locally owned businesses; and add vitality to their towns. The town leadership recognizes that, ultimately, tourism is a powerful catalyst to improve the standard of living, quality of life and pride of place for residents.
Amanda Dana and Bob Provost also presented a breakout session at the NYAOT Annual Meeting, 'How Your Towns History Can Shape Its Future,' discussing the scope of the $128 billion heritage tourism economy in the United States. They shared how towns can utilize local history as a visitor attraction tool while promoting pride of place to local residents.
About the Town of Cornwall: It starts with a plan, a plan made by forward thinking leaders with vision for tourism is rooted in the belief that natural beauty, cultural assets, and historical character are not only qualities to preserve—but the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Cornwall continues to build on the beauty and outdoor escapes of its community . Additionally, its strategic location, just 60 miles North of NYC and on the other side of the mountain from the US Military Academy at West Point, makes for a growing tourism economy. With scenic landscapes, an extensive trail network, Hudson Highlands access, and a thriving agricultural and arts community, Cornwall has made the visitor-based economy a central pillar of its long-term economic development strategy.
Through tourism focused Comprehensive Plan and zoning updates, they are intentionally positioning the Town to better accommodate tourism and agritourism businesses while protecting the very resources that make Cornwall special.
In recent years, Cornwall has translated that vision into tangible results.
They are incredibly proud to secure a NY Forward grant in the first round—focusing on….
- Marketing - by branding scenic beauty, ecotourism, and the vibrant arts community.
- Supported transformative public-private partnerships, including the Main Street Hotel project, backed by $3 million in ESD and NYSERDA funding and brownfield tax credits.
- Embraced projects such as Cornwall Social, a $1 million investment in an agritourism-based business.
- championed major regional initiatives by supporting grant funding efforts for Storm King Art Center’s 53 million dollar expansion.
- collaborating with the Open Space Institute on the Skunnemunk Meadows trail, and working with Scenic Hudson and HHLT on the Fjord Trail and other Hudson Valley projects.
Cornwall is building a vibrant, year-round destination. By investing in wayfinding, transportation connections, outdoor recreation, arts and cultural programming, and smart downtown development, Cornwall is solidifying its role as a premier Hudson Valley destination—where tourism growth supports small businesses, enhances community vitality, and preserves our unique character for generations to come.