News

It’s that time again—nominations for the Tourism Excellence Awards are officially open, and we need your help! As Co-Chair of the Awards Committee, I can’t overstate how impactful these awards are for our industry and our state. Each year, I’m blown away by the creativity, dedication, and…

Join Captain Tom Beardsley and Nautical Archaeologist Art Cohn on Friday, April 25th at noon (following the conclusion of the 2025 New York State Tourism Conference) at the Hotel Canandaigua for a fascinating look at two groundbreaking Erie Canal Bicentennial projects at the Canal NY Marketing &…

March 28, 2025 [Troy, NY]– The Board of Directors of The Museum Association of New York is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Van Anden as the new executive director effective April 7, 2025. With decades of experience as an advocate, and exemplified leadership in museum…

Trish Nugent is the Senior Vice President - Head of Public Relations & Public Affairs for Mower. For more than two decades, Trish Nugent has built a career launching and positioning marquee hospitality brands and destinations. As the leader of Mower’s Public Relations and Public Affairs…

Mark Luciano is the Stakeholder Relations Manager NY/MN for Brookfield Renewable N.A. Brookfield is a leading owner, operator and developer of renewable power, delivering innovative solutions that accelerate the world towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. With renewable assets in 24 markets in…

As the Client Success Manager for Ripe, Jared Carrow works with Ripe's existing clients to ensure they maximize the full potential of Ripe's platform and exceed their goals in driving traffic to local hotels and lodging partners. Ripe seamlessly integrates a locally customized booking engine into…

The annual State of Destination Marketing study is here! This comprehensive report examines current DMO marketing strategies, common challenges, and future opportunities. Join Seth Orozco, Destination Director at Sojern, on Friday, April 25th, at the 2025 NYS Tourism…

Accessible travel is one of the most underestimated opportunities in tourism today. With over 1.2 billion people worldwide living with disabilities, this is the largest minority on earth—one that every single one of us will belong to at some point in our lives. Add to that the aging baby…

Rich Gagliano, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Empire State Development Ross D. Levi, Executive Director / Vice President of NYS Division of Tourism - I LOVE NY, Empire State Development On Thursday, April 24th at the 2025 NYS Tourism Conference, Rich Gagliano and Ross D. Levi, will kick off the…

Your New York State Tourism Champions booth display(s) racked up the miles this week as we participated in two travel events. Nate Gresock brought your booth display to the Palais des Congrès de Montréal for the Montreal Outdoor Adventure Show. Nate was joined at by Kosta Tsimiklis (from Reach…

Encourages New Yorkers To Support Local Producers by Visiting Local Sugarhouses, Boosting the Industry and Local Agri-Tourism Governor’s FY 2026 Executive Budget Includes Initiatives To Grow the Maple Industry and Help New York Become the Leading Maple Innovator Photos of Governor Hochul…

Your NYS Tourism Champions exhibit booth was at the inaugural AAA Erie Vacation Expo at the Bayfront Convention Center. The one-day event, which took place on March 16th, had good attendance for its first-ever show. We were given a large space in the middle of the show, flanked by other New York…

Learn how compelling tourism photography can capture the attention of travelers and set your destination apart. In his Thursday-afternoon session, See it. Want it. Book it: The Power of Compelling Tourism Photography, Glenn Clark, Creative Director, Photographer and Designer…

We're excited! The 2025 NYS Tourism Conference attendees are in for a treat! The DONYS Scholarship Auction will feature auctioneer Carrie Hessney-Doran, an award winning second-generation auctioneer from the Finger Lakes! Join us at the 2025 NYS Tourism Conference, April 23–25, at the Hotel…

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Office of General Services today announced that two interactive video kiosks highlighting New York’s rich history in the American Revolution have been installed at the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza to commemorate…

Fatima Finnegan,VP Workforce Initiatives & Industry Relations at Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association to Speak in Canandaigua at the 2025 New York State Tourism Conference Discover how the hospitality industry can cultivate the next generation of talent! On Friday, April 25th at…

Jackie Saunders is the Vice President, Destination Strategy for Tiki. Founded in 2010, Tiki is among the world’s largest travel ad network, giving travel brands exclusive access to 100 million travel shoppers per month. Their direct publisher integrations don’t rely on ad exchanges and combine…

Running a sweepstakes or contest can be a fun and engaging way to boost your existing campaigns, and is particularly effective in enhancing the awareness and consideration stages of the sales funnel. Join us at the 2025 NYS Tourism Conference as Bridget Cerrone, Senior Marketing Strategist at…

After 40 years of leadership and dedication, Valerie Knoblauch is retiring from her role as President and CEO of Finger Lakes Visitors Connection. During her tenure, Val has been instrumental in advancing the Finger Lakes as a premier tourism destination, creating lasting partnerships, and…

Hotel Canandaigua * Thursday, April 24, 2025 Your response requested by March 31, 2025 It has been six years since the annual scholarship auction was held at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo in 2019, raising $17,500 to build our scholarship fund balance. There was no live/in-person conference held in April…