New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA)

"Today, I am grateful to reflect on a year that in many ways exceeded expectations and anticipate a future full of promise.?In fact, I see New York State’s tourism industry on a trajectory for sustained (and sustainable!) growth. In part, my optimism is driven by the incredible potential for success for New York State’s tourism industry in the years ahead - potential fueled by special events, major and historic anniversary celebrations, new tourism assets, and expanding infrastructure. But potential must be realized. Success will not happen by default.?My confidence in the future is enabled by the visionary leadership, creativity, tireless efforts, and unprecedented spirit of collaboration demonstrated by you, the tourism professionals committed to success on behalf of your destinations. (Please see the article below on ‘Unity of Voice.’) Once again, I want to express my admiration and respect for the work you all do.?I give thanks for each and every one of you, and your efforts on behalf of your destinations, communities, and New York State’s tourism industry." - Bob Provost, President & CEO, New York State Tourism Industry Association

How Does Tourism Impact Your County? Help us test drive our map app ??? Each county on the map is linked to a summary of how tourism positively impacts it from a sending, standard of living and quality of life perspective. And you’ll find a link to a downloadable, easy-to-share, two-page PDF with data for each county - perfect for sharing with stakeholders and supporting tourism advocacy in your community. We want to thank?Empire State Development/I LOVE NY & Tourism Economics?for access to the economic data, the?NYSTIA Advocacy and Marketing Committees?for guidance, and the team at?Corporate Communications, Inc.?for developing this new feature! It's a work in progress, and we want your feedback! Explore how tourism benefits your county directly with our new interactive map.?Share your comments and feedback to?[email protected]. #tourism #advocacy #newyork

?? We’re pleased to announce the return of the NYSTIA Scholarship Auction, an opportunity to support New York State tourism and hospitality students while bidding on exceptional items and experiences! Whether you’re a long-time participant or new to the auction, this is your chance to help fund scholarships that make a real difference in students' lives. We are currently seeking donations to make this year’s auction a success!?If you have a unique item, experience, or idea to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. From distinctive memorabilia to exclusive opportunities, every donation brings us closer to our goal!?Donate today. "Let’s make the 2025 scholarship auction entertaining and impactful. Your contributions can help change lives while making the event one to remember. Thank you for your support!"?- Scholarship Auction Co-Chairs: Jennifer Ackerson, Alon Tourism Solutions & James Sauter, rove #tourism #scholarship #newyorkstate

?? New Tools & Resources to Support and Strengthen Your Tourism Advocacy Outreach #advocacy #tourism As we approach the new legislative year and, for many organizations, the budget process, NYSTIA's committees and partners are working together to roll out informative advocacy campaigns and tools to support your efforts: ?? New Yorkers: Take Your Vacation?- This social media campaign and toolkit was developed collaboratively by BBG&G Integrated Marketing, NYSTIA Advocacy and Marketing Committees and NYSTIA staff. Check out the online toolkit to understand why everyone benefits when New Yorkers use their paid time off (PTO) to explore New York! ?? How Tourism Drives Success In Your County?- Our new 'Map-App' uses ESD/I LOVE NY & Tourism Economics data to highlight the positive impact of tourism in each of New York State's counties. We're still building out some elements, but you can test drive it today! More info below… ?? Tourism Done Right?- We're releasing a new presentation deck template for your use to shed light on tourism as an economic catalyst. Empower and enhance your messaging with talking points and statistics that support your case for continued and/or increased support for tourism in your community!

This past weekend New York State's tourism industry was showcased in Canada and New York's capital city. NYSTIA’s Nate Gresock brought our exhibit booth to the?2024 Montreal International Tourism & Travel Show, and Brooke Wilson exhibited at the?2024 Adirondack Sports & Northeast Ski Expo?at Albany's Capital Center. These were our final travel shows of 2024 and capped an unprecedented year of outreach of consumer and travel trade event marketing by NYSTIA for New York State's destinations and attractions. Nate reports that we finished our most aggressive travel show schedule ever with a record-breaking two-day distribution of nearly 4,000 brochures in Montreal! ?? A BIG THANK YOU to our 2024 Tourism Champions!?Your support enabled us to get the word (and the literature!) out about your destinations. We returned to the New York State Fair, attended multiple events throughout the year, and had a presence on the Thruway at the Port Byron Old Erie Canal Heritage Park. As we look to 2025,?we invite you to join us as a 2025 Tourism Champion?and participate?in 18+ shows across the U.S. and Canada, complimentary registration at the 2025 NYS Tourism Conference, 2025 New York State Tourism Best Practices Summit, and more! #nystia #travelshows #tourismchampions

?? Each year, New Yorkers leave nearly 40 million days of paid time off (PTO) unused, with 12 million days (over $3 billion in benefits) expiring annually. Imagine if we turned those days into valuable travel within New York State, boosting both personal well-being and local economies. Join NYSTIA's grassroots #campaign to encourage New Yorkers to use their PTO in-state this holiday season. Use the free toolkit on our website to make sharing this message easy and effective. #NewYorkPTO Let’s unlock the value of unused PTO for a stronger New York tourism economy. Our thanks to the team at?BBG&G Integrated Marketing?for their efforts in launching this initiative. #NYVacation #NYTourism #advocacy

This past weekend, New York State tourism destinations were represented simultaneously at multiple locations for the "Travel Show Trifecta"! All across the Northeast, the NYSTIA team made sure that the charm and diversity of New York State were top of mind.?Nate Gresock?was in Ohio at the?AAA Cleveland Vacation Expo,?where he engaged with travelers eager to explore New York's diverse destinations.?Bob Provost?headed to?Dream Destinations in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he also brought the wonders of New York State to travel enthusiasts. Meanwhile,?Brooke Wilson connected with tour operators and industry leaders at the?Bus Association of New York (BANY)?event hosted at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, where she connected with many NYSTIA members and met many new people at the BANY event. Join us as a 2025 Tourism Champion?and help us build on the incredible momentum from this year!

Join us as a 2025 Tourism Champion and help us build on the incredible momentum from this year!?With expanded programming and a stronger presence at consumer travel shows, 2024 was a success thanks to the support of over 40 destinations. With your support, we delivered on our promise of 18 travel shows, made a big return to the New York State Fair, and expanded our reach internationally to Montreal and Quebec. Our three active booth setups attracted attention at multiple locations, earning us prime spots from show promoters. Now, we're ready to take things to the next level in 2025—don't miss out! Sign up today and be part of another incredible year in tourism! Reach out to?Nate Gresock?([email protected]) to get started.

Last weekend the Tourism Champions Booth was at the?nation's #1?National Drive Electric Week?event, exhibiting at the?New York Capital District Drive Electric Week & Sustainability Fair?in Schenectady, NY!?As part of NYSTIA's efforts to promote #sustainable tourism in New York State, we love supporting EV travel throughout the state! We want?to thank?Lynkwell?for inviting us to exhibit at the event. #NDEW2024

We are pleased to announce that Don Welsh, a distinguished tourism executive with over four decades of experience, will be a featured speaker at the 2025 NYS Tourism Conference. As President and CEO of Destinations International, the global trade association for convention and visitors bureaus, Don brings extensive expertise across all facets of the travel and tourism industry. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership positions, including President and CEO of Choose Chicago, the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association, and the Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau. Don’s experience also spans senior roles at Westin Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and MGM Grand Hotel/Casino. His commitment to the industry is reflected in his service on various boards, including his current position on the Event Industry Council Board of Directors. #nystia #destinationsinternational #nystc Register now! ?? https://lnkd.in/eGzzxiFs