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| Ontario County Office of Tourism | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ontario County Office of Tourism |
| Type | County tourism agency |
| Founded | 20th century |
| Headquarters | Canandaigua, New York |
| Region served | Ontario County, New York |
| Leader title | Director |
| Parent organization | Ontario County, New York government |
Ontario County Office of Tourism is the official county-level agency tasked with promoting travel and visitation to Ontario County, New York. The office coordinates attractions, events, and visitor services across municipalities such as Canandaigua (city), New York, Geneva, New York, Victor, New York, and Phelps (village), New York while working with statewide organizations like I Love New York and regional partners including Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance. Its mandate intersects with cultural institutions, transportation hubs, and hospitality providers throughout the Finger Lakes region.
The office traces roots to early 20th-century civic boosters who promoted destinations such as Canandaigua Lake, Ontario County Fair, Glenora Wine Cellars, and recreational sites around Canandaigua Outlet. In mid-century development it engaged with statewide initiatives like the creation of New York State Department of Commerce tourism efforts and later aligned with I Love New York campaigns. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries it expanded activities alongside the growth of Finger Lakes wine region, collaborations with Seneca Lake AVA and Cayuga Lake AVA stakeholders, and coordinated responses to national trends championed by organizations such as U.S. Travel Association and National Trust for Historic Preservation. The office adapted after events affecting travel patterns, including responses informed by guidance from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and economic assessments produced by Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The office is embedded within county administration and reports to elected officials including the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. Leadership roles typically include a director and program managers who liaise with municipal offices such as the City of Canandaigua municipal staff, county departments like Ontario County Clerk, and regional planning bodies such as the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. Governance follows county policy frameworks and procurement rules aligned with New York State Department of State regulations. Advisory input comes from stakeholders including hotel associations represented by groups like Hospitality New York and agritourism actors such as New York Farm Bureau and wineries associated with organizations like New York Wine & Grape Foundation.
The office administers traveler information services similar to county offices in Monroe County, New York and Ontario County, New York neighbors, seasonal visitor guides, and online listings integrated with platforms such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, and state portals like I Love New York. Programming includes event calendars that feature festivals like the Finger Lakes Garlic Festival, heritage tours that reference sites such as Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, and outdoor promotion for parks including Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park and trails tied to Empire State Trail. Visitor services also support lodging networks including Hilton Garden Inn Canandaigua Lakefront and Belhurst Castle hospitality, culinary trails highlighting restaurants in Pulteney (village), New York and Geneva-on-the-Lake, and agritourism routes involving farms that work with New York Farm Viability Institute.
Marketing strategies deploy digital campaigns across search platforms used by Google, social networks including Facebook (company), Instagram (company), and content partnerships with regional outlets like Finger Lakes Times and Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The office partners on co-op advertising with entities such as Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce, Geneva Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and statewide programs like I Love New York to amplify signature experiences: wine trails connected to Finger Lakes Wine Country, lakefront recreation on Canandaigua Lake, historical attractions like Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park, and cultural programming at venues such as New York State Wine & Culinary Center. Tactical promotion leverages analytics frameworks common to Destination Marketing Association International and coordinates media hosting with travel journalists from organizations like National Geographic Society and broadcasters such as NPR.
The office compiles visitation and spending data, contributing to county-level reports alongside analyses by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and studies referencing the U.S. Travel Association economic models. Metrics typically tracked include overnight stays at properties listed with New York State Division of Tourism, occupancy rates comparable to neighboring Monroe County, New York, festival attendance at events like the Ontario County Fair, and winery visitation statistics related to AVAs including Seneca Lake AVA. Economic impact assessments inform county planning and grant applications to funders such as New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and federal programs administered by Economic Development Administration. Data supports policy discussions with institutions like Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and investment decisions by private stakeholders including hotel brands and wine producers.
The office maintains partnerships with chambers of commerce including the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce, cultural institutions such as Shortsville Museum, and higher education partners like Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Finger Lakes Community College for internship programs. It collaborates with transportation agencies including Greater Rochester International Airport and New York State Thruway Authority on access promotion, and with conservation groups such as The Nature Conservancy and Finger Lakes Land Trust for sustainable tourism initiatives. Community engagement extends to business improvement districts like Downtown Geneva BID, nonprofit festivals organized by Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council, and workforce development initiatives coordinated with Workforce New York.
The office operates visitor information centers positioned to serve travelers near hubs such as Canandaigua (city), New York and coordinates with state-run sites like Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park and county venues such as Ontario County Historical Society facilities. It provides printed and digital brochures highlighting lodging at properties like Belhurst Castle and local attractions such as Griffin Museum and supports wayfinding tied to transportation arteries including New York State Route 332 and New York State Route 96. Seasonal satellite kiosks often appear at events like the Ontario County Fair and regional festivals that draw attendees from markets anchored by Rochester, New York, Syracuse, New York, and Buffalo, New York.
Category:Tourism in New York (state)