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The New York State Division of Tourism recently traveled to Toronto to unveil the new I Love New York marketing campaign and re-introduce New York as a tourism destination to Canadians. Addressing Canadian travel journalists, tour operators and travel representatives, the group was joined by tourism partners from across the state; including the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning; the 1,000 Islands International Tourism Council, Seaway Trail, Inc. and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
“This event was a good opportunity to present Oswego County to the Canadian market,” said Kelly Jordal, Public Information Officer for Oswego County. “We were able to meet with travel journalists and tour group leaders to promote our area, which will help us as we expand our group tour business.”
The program was led by Markly Wilson, Director of International Marketing for New York State Division of Tourism; and Thomas Ranese, Chief Marketing Officer for Empire State Development.
The showcase included a travel trade press luncheon which treated 30 prominent Canadian travel journalists to a New York-style meal. There was an evening reception as well, which was attended by 60 Canadian tour operators and travel representatives.
“Right now, the U.S. currency exchange rate is attracting international visitors to New York State,” said David Turner, Director of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning. “This is a good time to talk to Canadians and remind them of the abundant resources Oswego County has to offer.”
New York continues to be the most popular overnight destination for Canadians, who set a record for overnight trips abroad last year.
In 2006, Oswego County hosted an estimated 276,688 overnight visitors in its hotels, motels, resorts, campgrounds, cabins and cottages. That same year, total visitor expenditures in the county were more than $123 million.
For more information about tourism, attractions or events in Oswego County, call the Oswego County Promotion and Tourism Office at 1-800-248-4FUN (4386) or visit www.visitoswegocounty.com.
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