Albany, N.Y. - The program book from the New York State Tourism Summit, held in Albany on May 8, is available for viewing or download here. The summit brought together hundreds of tourism experts to discuss ideas and new ways to bring tourists to every corner of the state. As the fifth largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012. One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. The more than 202 million international and domestic visitors to the Empire State last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes.

At the conclusion of the summit Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of New York’s largest tourism campaign in decades, committing nearly $60 million to grow the industry, create jobs and attract even more visitors to the Empire State.

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Tourism Summit Generates New Ideas to Bring More Visitors to New York State
Governor: NYS Tourism Equals Business

Albany, N.Y. (May 8, 2014) - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of New York’s largest tourism campaign in decades, committing nearly $60 million to grow the industry, create jobs and attract even more visitors to the Empire State.

The Governor’s announcement came at the conclusion of the New York State Tourism Summit, where hundreds of tourism experts gathered in Albany to discuss ideas and new ways to bring tourists to every corner of the state. As the fifth largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012. One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. The more than 202 million international and domestic visitors to the Empire State last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes.

“New York State has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you’re looking for you can find it here,” Governor Cuomo said. “I want the world to know about these assets, too, and am committed to making the State a ‘must see’ global destination and creating new jobs and investments in New York.” Read more »

Industry leaders to discuss ways to grow New York’s tourism industry

Albany, N.Y. (May 1, 2013) - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he will host New York State’s first Tourism Summit to hear ideas from industry leaders, business owners and other stakeholders to help ensure that the tourism industry continues to grow and create jobs in New York. The Tourism Summit will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Hart Lounge in Albany.

“From the wine trails of the Finger Lakes to the beaches of Long Island, New York State has the top destinations for visitors from around the world,” Governor Cuomo said. “The tourism industry is the fifth largest employer in New York and a critical economic engine, and the State is committed to continuing its success. Our summits have produced real results for other industries, cutting red tape and making it easier to do business here in New York. This summit will continue our dialogue with the business community so that we can find ways to boost the tourism sector, create jobs, and better market all that the Empire State has to offer.” Read more »

New York’s Finger Lakes and Lake George named lakeside vacations that have it all by Yahoo!

 Albany, NY (May 1, 2013) - The Finger Lakes and Lake George have been named by Yahoo! as “Lakeside vacations that have it all.”  These sites were highlighted alongside world famous vacation destinations such as Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, Italy’s Lake Como and Ireland’s Lakes of Killarney. 

“We have made great strides in marketing our great state to drive the tourism economy in every region of New York,” said Governor Cuomo. “Yahoo’s feature is proof  that our perseverance is paying off-two of our state’s travel destinations are featured among an impressive list of 10 world renowned attractions.  Building off this success, we pledge to continue to work with the industry to bring attention to the best of New York State travel.” Read more »

See where thoroughbred Secretariat became a race-horse legend, the Bronx Bombers’ new home and visit halls of fame recognizing baseball, boxing and even fly-fishing greats
 

Albany, N.Y. - Women in flamboyant broad brimmed hats cheer. The bugler trumpets the “Call to Post” and gleaming thoroughbreds prance past the wooden Victorian club house and grandstands with their iconic red and white awnings to take their places at the starting gate. As Saratoga Race Course prepares to kick off its sesquicentennial season this May, it looks and feels much as it did 150 years ago. The oldest sporting venue in the U.S., the “track” is just one of New York State’s contributions to sporting history. Across the state, historic venues, museums and halls of fame memorialize the greats of baseball, boxing and many other sports.
 
The Path Through History program, introduced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, makes it easier than ever to explore the state’s sports history sites. 

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Catch a concert under the stars, experience the thrill of a historical reenactment or try something totally new at one of the hundreds of festivals across New York State this summer

Albany, NY - Those looking for a break from the ordinary this summer need look no further than New York State. From the quirky to the sublime, hundreds of events across the Empire State offer the chance to become immersed in new cultures, learn new skills and pursue your passions. New festivals this year include the Taste of Country Music Festival, June 13-15 at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills, featuring well-known stars such as Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson and Trace Adkins, and the Finger Lakes Plein Air Festival, June 5-9 in Canandaigua where visitors can watch professional artists at work and create their own sidewalk art. Read more »

Path Through History Weekends (June 1-2 &7-8) and Museum Week (June 10 -16) make it fun and easy to visit arts and culture venues across the State 

Albany, N.Y. - One of the best times to discover the state’s world-class art collections and leading museums, ranging from glass to vintage toys, is during New York State Museum Week, June 10-16.  Museums across the state will feature special events, exhibits, activities and promotions for the second annual Museum Week, co-sponsored by the N.Y. State Council on the Arts and Museumwise: Museum Association of New York, which provide grants and shared resources for cultural activities and museums in the state.  

Plus, Path Through History, recently introduced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, makes it easier than ever to discover fascinating arts and culture venues year-round. Arts and Culture is one of 13 themes, ranging from Sports History and Military History to Civil Rights, used to organize 700-plus heritage sites throughout the Empire State. Read more »