New York State Tourism Industry Association

New York State Tourism Industry Association is a leading organization that promotes and supports the tourism industry in New York State, working closely with Empire State Development, I Love New York, and New York State Department of Economic Development. The association collaborates with various stakeholders, including Hotel Association of New York City, New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, and American Hotel and Lodging Association, to advance the interests of the tourism industry. With its headquarters in Albany, New York, the association serves as a vital resource for tour operators, hoteliers, and other industry professionals, providing them with access to Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and other iconic New York City attractions. The association's efforts are also supported by New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, and Governor of New York, who recognize the significant contribution of tourism to the state's economy, including Niagara Falls, Adirondack Park, and Finger Lakes.

● History

The history of the association dates back to the early 20th century, when New York State first began to recognize the importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth, with destinations like Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, and Cooperstown attracting visitors from across the United States. During this period, the association worked closely with New York State Legislature, New York State Department of Transportation, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to develop infrastructure and promote tourism development, including the construction of New York State Thruway and John F. Kennedy International Airport. In the 1960s and 1970s, the association played a key role in promoting New York City as a major tourist destination, highlighting attractions like Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and Broadway theatre, and working with New York City Mayor, New York City Council, and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Today, the association continues to work with United States Travel Association, National Restaurant Association, and American Gaming Association to promote New York State as a premier tourist destination, featuring events like Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, US Open (tennis), and Tribeca Film Festival.

● Organization

The association is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from New York State Tourism Industry Association member organizations, such as Destination Marketing Organizations, Chambers of Commerce, and Hotel Associations, including Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau. The board is responsible for setting the association's strategic direction and overseeing its operations, with support from New York State Department of Labor, New York State Department of Health, and New York State Office of General Services. The association also has a number of committees, including a Marketing Committee, Advocacy Committee, and Membership Committee, which work to promote the interests of the tourism industry and provide support to members, including small business owners, entrepreneurs, and tourism professionals, who operate in destinations like Hamptons, Hudson Valley, and Thousand Islands.

● Membership

Membership in the association is open to any organization or individual involved in the tourism industry in New York State, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tour operators, such as Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, and Expedia Group. Members receive a range of benefits, including access to industry events, marketing opportunities, and advocacy support, as well as connections to New York State Tourism Industry Association partners, such as American Express, Mastercard, and Visa Inc.. The association also offers a number of resources and tools to help members develop their businesses and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, including webinars, workshops, and conferences, featuring speakers from Cornell University, New York University, and University at Buffalo.

● Advocacy

The association is a strong advocate for the tourism industry in New York State, working to promote the interests of its members and support the development of the industry, with partners like National Tourism Association, United States Travel Association, and International Council of Tourism Partners. The association works closely with New York State Legislature, New York State Governor's Office, and Empire State Development to advance policies and programs that support the growth of tourism, including tax incentives, infrastructure development, and marketing initiatives, such as I Love New York and New York State Tourism Industry Association's own marketing campaigns, which highlight destinations like New York City, Niagara Falls, and Adirondack Park. The association also participates in national advocacy efforts, working with organizations like United States Travel Association and National Restaurant Association to promote the interests of the tourism industry at the federal level, including United States Congress, United States Senate, and United States House of Representatives.

● Events_and_Initiatives

The association hosts a number of events and initiatives throughout the year, including an annual conference and trade show, which brings together industry professionals from across New York State to network, learn, and share best practices, with speakers from Google, Facebook, and Amazon. The association also participates in national and international tourism events, such as IPW (International Pow Wow), ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) Global Convention, and ITB Berlin, to promote New York State as a premier tourist destination, featuring attractions like Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square. In addition, the association offers a range of training and development programs to help industry professionals develop their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, including certification programs, webinars, and workshops, in partnership with New York State Department of Labor, New York State Department of Education, and SUNY (State University of New York).

● Economic_Impact

The tourism industry has a significant economic impact on New York State, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Census Bureau, and New York State Comptroller. The association works to promote the economic benefits of tourism and support the development of the industry, with partners like Federal Reserve Bank of New York, New York State Economic Development Council, and Business Council of New York State. By promoting New York State as a premier tourist destination and supporting the growth of the tourism industry, the association helps to drive economic growth and development, including job creation, tax revenue, and infrastructure investment, in destinations like New York City, Buffalo, New York, and Rochester, New York, and attractions like Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Broadway theatre. The association's efforts are supported by New York State Governor, New York State Legislature, and Empire State Development, who recognize the importance of tourism to the state's economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and finance, and the need to promote destinations like Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Adirondack Park.