Tourism

Western Mass. Tourist Sites Promoted In Pennsylvania

Paul Tuthill — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:49:11 +0000

A first ever collaborative effort is under way to jointly promote tourist attractions in the Berkshires and the greater Springfield area in Massachusetts.

A bus carrying two dozen people representing many of the top tourist attractions in western Massachusetts departed from the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield Tuesday morning bound for Pennsylvania. The group has meetings scheduled over the next three days with 17 tour operators to sell the region as an ideal destination for group bus trips.

New Bid To Boost Sports Tourism In Western Mass.

Paul Tuthill — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:23:00 +0000

A new initiative has been launched to bring more sporting events, and sports fans to western Massachusetts.

A new division of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau- a sports commission- will focus on bringing events to locations throughout western Massachusetts. Visitors bureau president Mary Kay Wydra said they’ll bid for sporting events that have a high media profile, will fill hotel rooms, and have a significant economic impact.

Gay and Lesbian Tourism Conference on 3/27

Joe Donahue — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:12:00 +0000

Two years after marriage equality arrived in the Empire State, New York State is poised to make a bid for gay vacationers, especially those seeking to hold weddings in the Hudson Valley.

The first-ever gay and lesbian tourism conference for New York State will take place at The Locust Grove estate in Poughkeepsie, NY on March 27. The conference will involve tourism groups from all over the state.

Joining us to tell us more are Rich Volo of the Hudson Pride Foundation, Michele Vennard, President and CEO of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Stephan Hengst Co-Founder of Big Gay Hudson Valley.

Tourism Report Indicates Rebound

Pat Bradley — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:30:00 +0000

A new report prepared for the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing is showing a resurgence in that sector with tourists visiting the state spending more.

The report shows that while the number of visitors to Vermont since 2009 increased 1-point-8 percent, visitor spending has jumped 19-point-4 percent.
Most of the increase in spending from the 14 million visitors to the state was for lodging and food.

Northern NY City Deploys Hi Tech Tourism Technology

Pat Bradley — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 22:10:00 +0000

The city of Plattsburgh is deploying high technology information kiosks to enhance tourism opportunities in the city

City officials announced Wednesday that a network of walk-up touchscreen kiosks will be installed in the city.

The PlattInfo screens will provide information in English and French on restaurants, shopping, venues, events and points of interest in the city.

Mayor Don Kasprzak says Plattsburgh is one of the first cities to use such technology and it will be made available on the internet and mobile devices.

New President Named For "Big E"

Paul Tuthill — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:50:00 +0000

The “Big E” has a new boss. Eugene Cassidy is the new president and C-E-O of the Eastern States Exposition. The organization has hosted the region’s largest agricultural fair and exposition on its grounds in West Springfield for 95 years. WAMC”s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Cassidy about what makes the “ Big E” such a big draw through the decades.

New York to Bring Back Iconic Tourism Ad Campaign

Karen Dewitt — Thu, 31 May 2012 11:59:21 +0000

Governor Andrew Cuomo is attempting to revive New York’s iconic ‘I Love New York’ tourism promotion campaign with some new ads. The governor says the state not been aggressive enough in its promotions in recent years. Capitol Correspondent Karen DeWitt reports…

Gov.Patrick Asked For More State Funds For Northampton Fairgrounds Project

Paul Tuthill — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:51:03 +0000

More state funding is being sought to redevelop a major tourist attraction in Western Massachusetts. Officials made their pitch Tuesday to Governor Deval Patrick for more help for the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton. WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.