Ulster County News

FROM: ULSTER COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

DATE: August 28, 2003  

Tourism, one of the state’s largest industries, reaches a milestone this year when Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. (HVT) celebrates its 15^th anniversary. HVT, the oldest regional organization promoting tourism in the Hudson Valley, was founded in September 1988 and designated as I LOVE NEW YORK’s exclusive tourism contact for the area. Founded by Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess and Columbia Counties, the organization has since expanded its board to include Ulster, Greene, Albany and Rensselaer Counties.

Because of HVT’s efforts, tourism spending in the region has increased over 300% since 1988, producing over $3 billion in revenue annually. "We’re extremely proud of the progress tourism has made because of Hudson Valley Tourism’s efforts," stated Susan Cayea, the organization’s president. "We’re doubling our efforts to make even larger gains in the future."

The ten agencies promote all of the region’s destinations on a web site, and in brochures and advertising. Board members attend national and international trade shows such as American Bus Association Marketplace, National Tour Association, Pow Wow, World Travel Mart and others.

HVT hosts dozens of travel writers each year from all over the world. Recent arrivals have come from England, Ireland and Germany. Regional representatives will attend Travel Media Show-case, a national travel writer’s conference held in Chicago this year. The group also sponsors Vintage Hudson Valley, a local conference that attracts writers from across the United States.

A recent partnership with Made in the Hudson Valley, an online shopping resource for Hudson Valley products, became a creative way to extend tourism into the retail market. Visitors to www.madeinthehudsonvalley.com are also treated to a link to www.travelhudsonvalley.com where they can find regional tourism information.

Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization funded by the member counties, private sector organizations, and I LOVE NEW YORK. Regional brochures can be obtained by calling 800-232-4782. Information about HVT is available from any of the member county tourism offices or by calling 845-291-2136.