Survey Launched to Help Shape the Future of Tourism in Ulster County
Published on March 18, 2026
KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County Tourism, in partnership with Beyond Green Travel, is inviting County residents, business owners, community groups, and visitors to share their perspectives in a brief survey that will directly inform the development of Ulster County’s new Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan — the first step in shaping a long-term framework to guide how tourism is planned, managed and supported across the County. This initial strategy will help ensure that tourism supports local communities and the economy while preserving what makes Ulster County a special place to live and visit for years to come.
To access the survey, visit ulstercountyny.gov/sustainable-tourism-survey
Ulster County Tourism is launching this plan to proactively address tourism growth, strengthen local economies, and protect the County’s natural and cultural assets. The Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan will guide future policies and investments while helping the County respond to community‑identified issues such as outdoor recreation pressures, transportation and parking challenges, housing and workforce needs, and balancing visitor use with environmental and community well‑being.
“The same characteristics that make our County a wonderful place to live also contribute to a thriving tourism industry, and we want to make sure that as we grow this industry, we preserve the unique natural and cultural resources that make our County special,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “The Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan is meant to guide the County in achieving this balance, and I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your perspectives. I want to thank Office of Tourism Director Lisa Berger and her team for leading this important initiative.”
“Ulster County is a special place because of the people who live, work, and care for it every day,” said Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County Tourism and Office for Film. “As we think about the future of tourism here, it’s essential that those voices help guide the path forward. This survey is a meaningful opportunity for residents, business owners, community groups, and visitors to share their perspectives and priorities. Your input will directly inform Ulster County’s first-ever Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan, helping us balance economic vitality with environmental stewardship and quality of life. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to participate and help shape a thoughtful, inclusive, and resilient future for tourism in Ulster County.”
The survey is part of a broader public engagement effort designed to ensure that voices from every corner of the County are heard. Feedback gathered will help clarify priorities, challenges, and opportunities related to tourism, informing strategies that balance economic benefit, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
To support this foundational planning effort, Ulster County has engaged Beyond Green Travel, a globally respected independent sustainable tourism consultancy specializing in destination stewardship, community engagement, and strategic tourism planning. Beyond Green Travel works with destinations around the world — from small communities to national tourism organizations — to develop practical, community-informed strategies that protect culture and nature while strengthening local communities and guiding long-term tourism decision-making.
The survey is open to all and can be found here: ulstercountyny.gov/sustainable-tourism-survey.
Responses will be collected through May 31, 2026, and the survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
For more info, visit https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/sustainable-tourism.