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State Will Spend $55M On Tourism, Welcome Centers

In an effort to boost tourism across the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state will spend $55 million to upgrade and add welcome centers, in addition to increasing advertising. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed announced Tuesday that the state will spend $55 million in an effort to draw tourism across the state.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed announced Tuesday that the state will spend $55 million in an effort to draw tourism across the state.

Photo Credit: file photo

Cuomo made the announcement during the the New York State Tourism and Craft Beverage Summit, where leaders in the tourism and craft beverage industries met with state officials to explore new industry opportunities. 

"Our investments in the tourism industry have paid dividends in every region and with this unprecedented $55 million, we are keeping the momentum moving forward," Cuomo said. "With new welcome centers that will serve as gateways to New York’s unparalleled natural beauty, and with this new funding, we are creating an interactive tourism experience that will keep visitors coming back year after year.”

Initiatives announced at the event include new welcome centers in every region of the state that will feature Taste NY markets and offer locally-grown produce, and an additional $2 million in funding to promote special events specifically related to agritourism and the craft beverage industry.

The new welcome centers will feature a Taste NY Market offering locally-made and produced food and beverages and three interactive I LOVE NEW YORK kiosks for visitors to learn about the region’s history and destinations. 

In addition, travelers can create an itinerary based around regional attractions and receive a copy by e-mail. 

The new and improved welcome centers will be opened in all regions throughout the state including the rest stop on Interstate 84 in Dutchess County.

Other highlights announced during the summit included the news the state will celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage in 2017 in New York and the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. And the "I Love NY" app will see upgrades that will include a downloadable audio tour of the top state attractions.

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