New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA)

"On behalf of the entire team at Discover Saratoga, I am thrilled to welcome you to Saratoga Springs for the 2024 NYSTIA Annual Meeting & New York State Tourism Excellence Awards this September! We encourage you to register for this fun and informative event and book your stay at the well-appointed Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs. This event is an opportunity to reconnect with industry friends and colleagues from across the state. You'll also have the chance to participate in noteworthy programming and off-site events that highlight the best of Saratoga County. We invite you to join us on Wednesday, September 11 for a special FAM tour exploring iconic historic locations throughout Saratoga Springs. Stay tuned for more details—we look forward to seeing you there! The Annual Meeting is not just a chance to network and plan for the future—it's also an invitation to experience the unique charm and vibrant culture that defines Saratoga County. Consider extending your visit by a day or two to fully immerse yourself in all that it has to offer. We are thrilled to host this important event and sincerely hope you enjoy your time with us. As you explore Saratoga County, I encourage you to discover its hidden gems, meet our passionate locals, and create lasting memories. Thank you for joining us, and may your stay be filled with inspiration and unforgettable moments!" - Darryl Leggieri, President, Discover Saratoga NY #nystia #annualmeeting #TourismExcellenceAwards

On behalf of the Board and staff of the New York State Tourism Industry Association, we are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards! 🏆 Judges were challenged yet again by the caliber, scope, and volume of the submissions. This year’s pool of nominations exceeded 2023’s extraordinary total by 18%, marking another year of competitive judging. This celebration of the excellent work done by tourism professionals in New York State would not have been possible without the efforts of those who nominated, the judges who reviewed and scored each submission, and the incredible work done by destination marketing organizations, attractions, leaders, and other tourism-related businesses across New York State. Please join us at the 2024 NYSTIA Annual Meeting in Saratoga Springs on September 11-13 to celebrate the honorees during a special ceremony and reception hosted by Advance Media New York! The New York State Tourism Industry Association extends its gratitude to this year’s Tourism Excellence Awards judges: Annamaria Bellantoni, Josiah Brown, Bridget Cerrone, Corey Fram, Todd Garofano, Danae Jones-Persip, Dana Krueger, Karen Kuhl, Gregory L. LaDuca, Olga Luz Tirado, and the Committee Chair, Sarah Foster Calero, and Co-Chair, Hayley Coriaty. A note of thanks also to Rachele Markle, NYSTIA staff liaison to the committee.

📣 Call for Proposals! Webinars/Workshops & Case Studies Do you have a best practice case study that you would like to share in Saratoga Springs at the NYSTIA Annual Meeting and/or as a Wednesday Webinar in Fall 2024? We encourage you to use this opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and efficacy to your tourism friends and colleagues! All are welcome to submit. The Wednesday Webinar Series will pick up from 9:15 am to 9:45 am, September 18 to December 11, 2024. #webinar #casestudy #tourism Proposals must be received by July 15 to be considered for the webinar series and the September event. Submit now!

Last week, we shared that the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSHTA)-led industry coalition succeeded after a multi-year effort! The bill to regulate short-term rentals in New York State has passed both houses of the legislature. 🎉 After a tremendous effort this session led by Mark Dorr at NYSHTA, the bill to regulate short-term rentals in New York State has passed both houses of the legislature (FINALLY). The bill requires the State to create a registry and collect sales and occupancy taxes. Members of the NYSTIA Advocacy Committee (Jeff Shipley, Edward A T Carr, Josiah Brown), Board Chair Corey Fram, Vice Chair-Elect Gregory L. LaDuca, Board Secretary Cass Harrington, and President Bob Provost participated in the NYSHTA-led legislative meetings as well as follow-up calls and conversations in support of the legislation.

Many of our members had already heard about the efforts to create a National Marine Sanctuary (New York's first) along New York's Lake Ontario coastline at the 2023 New York State Tourism Conference in Oswego. We are delighted to share that last week, NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration officially designated the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary! Oswego County Administrator Phil Church graciously agreed to share these comments with NYSTIA colleagues: "After 10 years, it's tempting to think of today as a climax, as a culminating reward, as an ending. But that’s not how we think. Now the truly rewarding effort begins as our local communities begin working in partnership with federal and state agencies to realize the sanctuary’s promise. The education and understanding, the research and collaboration, the economic opportunities, and the adventures… it all lies before us. Not the end. It’s just the beginning of the great Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary!" - Phil Church, Oswego County Administrator

Join us for the 2024 NYSTIA Annual Meeting & New York State Tourism Excellence Awards in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY. This premier event is your chance to gain industry insights and inspiration while networking with some of the best minds, most experienced individuals, and trendsetting thought leaders in the tourism industry. #nystia #annualmeeting #awards Delve into the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of tourism! Gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives on best practices from Tourism Excellence Awards winners, strategies for boosting international inbound tourism, preparations for America's 250th celebrations, and more. Connect with peers, industry veterans, and thought leaders during dedicated networking sessions. Build valuable relationships that can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and growth. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your knowledge, expand your network, and celebrate the best in New York State tourism at the 2024 NYSTIA Annual Meeting & New York State Tourism Excellence Awards!

⏰ The deadline to nominate for the 2024 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards is this Saturday, May 25! Don't miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to recognize the amazing work you and your colleagues do every day to advance New York State tourism. #awards #tourism #newyorkstate Nominate your own organization, a leader, a partner in your county, or a colleague deserving of recognition. Let us know what you and your team have been up to, or let someone know how much you appreciate their hard work! 🏆

🏆🚨 Last Call for Nominations! 🚨🏆 The deadline to nominate for the 2024 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards is this Saturday, May 25! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions to New York State's tourism industry. Nominate Now! ⏰

Need inspiration for your 2024 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards submission? Check out our examples of previous winning nominations! Let their success stories ignite your creativity and guide you through the submission process. 📝💡 Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate excellence in New York State tourism! You do not have to be a member of NYSTIA to nominate or be nominated. Nominations Deadline: Saturday, May 25 #TourismExcellence #NYS #Tourism #NominateNow #NewYorkState #TravelIndustry #ExcellenceAwards #DestinationManagement #TourismLeadership #NYSTIA

⏰ Free Webinar at Noon Today: Generating ROI with International Students/Workers #J1 #workforce #webinar Register Now:https://bit.ly/3QQa2nB Join us at noon today for a workforce development webinar on the use of the J1 program and how it can help your organization. This webinar will be presented by Chad Hendricks, President of Experienced Associates LLC, and Scott Swagler, General Manager of the Doubletree by Hilton Niagara Falls, NY, with insights from our NYSTIA Workforce Development Task Force. The webinar will also examine the impact of foreign exchange #students in New York State - a 5 billion dollar market! You'll learn what the J1 program is, how the program works and its processes, the ROI of using the program for your organization and the economy, and take a look at a few case studies. When: Today, May 15 at 12:00 pm E.T. Cost: Free! Please share this invite! The NYSTIA Lunch & Learn Webinars are open to all NYSTIA members and their guests.