The Beat

Ghost hunts, ghoulish walks, and guided tours for fall

Batavia, N.Y. – The Haunted History Trail of New York State is home to the state's largest collection of haunted and Halloween happenings taking place now through the end of October. Events range from guided ghost walks and themed Halloween parks to historical haunted tours and paranormal investigations. A complete listing can be found on the Haunted History Trail’s online Ghostly Events Calendar.

Cayuga County NY (Sept. 27, 2024) – World Tourism Day (September 27, 2024) marks the launch of 100 Travel Innovations (https://innovate.destinationthink.com), a collection of stories from 100 places around the world about the programs and activities happening right now to improve our lives – environmentally, economically and socially. As a sponsor of 100 Travel Innovations, the Cayuga County Board of Tourism supports the drive to ensure travel makes the world a better place.

The Sullivan Catskills celebrates another record year in visitor spending and job creation in 2023

Sullivan Catskills, NY (Sept. 4, 2024) – The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association is thrilled to announce the tremendous impact of tourism on the Sullivan Catskills in 2023. According to recent data from Tourism Economics, the region experienced another outstanding year of significant growth in visitor spending and job creation, reinforcing the vital role tourism plays in the local economy.

Historic 306.3 Million Visitors Explored the Empire State in 2023 – the Most in New York State History

Tourism Generated $88 Billion in Direct Spending and $137 Billion in Total Economic Impact, Exceeding Previous Highs in 2022

Ahead of Fall Travel Season, I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Reports Begin on September 12 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York welcomed a record-setting 306.3 million visitors in 2023, while also setting new historic highs for direct visitor spending and total economic impact associated with the state's tourism industry. Visitors to New York State contributed to a record-high $88 billion in direct spending, and supported a historic $137 billion in total economic impact across the state. The Governor made the announcement at the Great New York State Fair, a perennially popular seasonal tourism attraction and economic driver. This data, compiled in a series of reports prepared by Tourism Economics, represents significant gains over the then-record-setting numbers from 2022, and far surpass the highest numbers achieved prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major Construction Underway To Transform the Entire Airport Campus Including New Veterans Area and Frederick Douglass Legacy Area

Project Awarded $18 Million From the Governor’s $230 Million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition

Renderings Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that major construction has begun on a $38.1 million project to transform the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport into a world-class travel hub and a welcoming gateway for the entire Finger Lakes Region. The modernization project, which was awarded $18 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition and $16.8 million in federal funds, will enhance the passenger experience by reimagining the main terminal area to create a more efficient, coordinated facility that helps get travelers where they need to faster and with fewer hassles.

Project Upgrades Include Improved Parking, Enhanced Exhibits, ADA-Accessible Restrooms and Sustainability Upgrades 

Photos Available Here  

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new Visitor Center, improved parking and enhanced exhibits at Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park on the South Shore of Long Island. The new 1,600 square-foot Visitor Center will educate visitors about the Cutting family and their historic 60-room, Tudor-style mansion, the landscaped grounds with wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants, and the impact of ongoing climate change on Long Island.

Lake Placid, N.Y. – After a nationwide search, The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has named Dan Kelleher as its next President and CEO, following the retirement of James McKenna, who served in the role for 42 years.

Media Invited

Orange County, N.Y. -- Orange County Tourism & Film is rebranding! The tourism team will unveil a lively new logo and slogan – and will introduce a friendly, loveable mascot! Dignitaries will be on hand to introduce the new, colorful logo that captures Orange County’s proud agricultural heritage, small-town charm and cultural sites. The new branding celebrates a county jam-packed with activities, family-friendly destinations, farm-to-table restaurants and fabulous accommodations just 50 miles north of New York City.

NYC’s Iconic Sightseeing Boat Tour Welcomes Guests for a Summer of Fun Along the Hudson

NEW YORK, NY – Get ready to sail the Hudson all summer long with Circle Line’s latest line up, offering unforgettable experiences aboard NYC’s iconic boat cruises. Whether you’re looking to create memories with friends, level up your trip to NYC, dance the night away, or enjoy the sights with your pup, Circle Line is here to make this your best summer yet.

Cortland, NY – Experience Cortland is thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Cortland County Ice Cream Trail, showcasing 11 stops across the county, inviting ice cream enthusiasts to embark on a tasty journey through our charming county. Developed over seven years ago, this sweet tradition is revitalized with fresh excitement and a revamped experience for all.