Leaders in the tourism and craft beverage industries met with state officials to explore new industry opportunities at the New York State Tourism and Craft Beverage Summit in October.
At the summit, the state’s largest investment in tourism to date was unveiled–an unprecedented $55 million dedicated to promoting New York’s attractions, drawing more visitors, creating jobs and further growing the industry throughout the Empire State.
Initiatives announced at the event include new welcome centers in every region of the state that will feature Taste NY markets and offer locally grown produce, and an additional $2 million in funding to promote special events specifically related to agritourism and the craft beverage industry.
Included on the list of new welcome centers are ones at Northway exits 17 and 18 in the Glens Falls area.
“Our investments in the tourism industry have paid dividends in every region and with this unprecedented $55 million, we are keeping the momentum moving forward,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “With new welcome centers that will serve as gateways to New York’s unparalleled natural beauty, and with this new funding, we are creating an interactive tourism experience that will keep visitors coming back year after year. This summit builds on our administration’s commitment to tourism and helped to foster innovative ways to leverage our natural assets, attract more visitors and garner economic activity across this great state.”
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has traveled “to every corner of the state and have seen first-hand the economic benefits of investing in the tourism industry, which has now become our fourth largest employment sector. Coupled with that success is the seemingly exponential growth in the number of wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries, which not only bring jobs and tax revenue, but also serve as major tourism drivers. ”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said each year there are more visitors traveling to New York state generating 894,000 jobs and more than $63 billion in direct spending in local communities.
“I’m proud of the impact Taste NY has had on not only promoting our growing food and beverage industry and their innovative producers, but also boosting the State’s tourism economy,” state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said. “As more consumers turn to local products for fresh, healthy and unique varieties, they’re looking to explore the State’s farms, food and craft beverage businesses behind these new favorites, sparking a renewed interest in agritourism.”
The new welcome centers will feature a Taste NY Market offering locally-made and produced food and beverages and three interactive I Love New York kiosks for visitors to learn about the region’s history and destinations. Travelers can create an itinerary based around regional attractions and receive a copy by e-mail.
In addition to Glens Falls, welcome centers will be located in Western New York on I-190 in Grand Island; at the Geneva Visitors and Events Center; at the Auburn Visitors Center, at the Broome Gateway Center; at Lock 13, Canajoharie; at the Thousand Islands International Tourism Council Visitor Center; at I-90 westbound exits 11-12 in Schodack; at I-84 exits 16-17, Stormville; at the Javits Center in New York City and on the Long Island Expressway between exits 51 and 52.
Funding for the Market NY program will increase to $15 million with $2 million allocated specifically for agritourism and the craft beverage industry. The new round of tourism grants will be dedicated to promoting destinations, attractions and special events focused on craft beverages and agritourism. The grants will include funding for advertising, media production costs, industry-related press tours and marketing materials, along with website design, development and updates.
Sen. Rich Funke, chairman of the Senate Committee on Tourism said the tourism and craft beverage industries “are booming here at home in the Finger Lakes Region and all across New York state. It’s always great to hear from the experts in the field who are working to attract visitors, jobs, and investment to our state every day.”