Partner News May 2011

Thank You Brochure Exchange Participants!
We had almost 150 businesses attend the Brochure Exchange on May 18. It was wonderful to see so many of our partners. We hope you all enjoyed the morning. Thanks to all who came, and special thanks to our sponsor, Stork Insurance.

Cornell University Releases New Tourism Survey Results
Cornell University has released the results of a new survey that sought to understand the consumer decision-making process for tourists interested in New York State. The survey also explored how well designated tourism entities support a statewide marketing strategy.

Here are some key findings:

• Most travelers to New York State drive to their destination (typically a 5 hour or less drive time). New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey account for most day and overnight trips to NYS.
• There are no dominant leisure travel segments coming to NYS, which means marketing opportunities are broad. Most travelers are looking for activities and events.
• While at a state level, there is effort made to position New York State as “getaway” or drive market, this is not consistent across regional and county tourism websites.
• Survey respondents were more familiar with tourism regions than counties and cities. They were also more familiar with attractions than counties and cities.
• Sightseeing is the #1 reason cited for taking a trip to NYS. The top objection to traveling to New York is that it is “too expensive.”
• I Love New York branding efforts have had mixed results. Only 13% of travelers associate the brand with the entire state.
• Although New York City generates the largest amount of consumer spending, it is an under-utilized jumping off hub for the rest of the state.

The full survey will soon be posted on our Research page, which can be accessed here. 

Summer Travel Forecast a Mixed Bag
With gas prices and airfare on the rise, it might be logical to expect travelers to be wary of vacation spending this summer. However, according to a poll by AOL Travel, many people are still planning to spend money- they will just be doing so closer to home.

Here are some interesting results from the poll:

• 51.3% of respondents said that the economy was not affecting their travel plans this summer.
• 48.5% of respondents said they would spend $1,500 or more on summer travel.
• 49.5% will be traveling within the U.S., 19.7% aren’t traveling at all, 16.7% are traveling internationally, and 14.2% will travel within the U.S. as well as internationally.
• Expensive airfare and high gas prices are tied for the biggest summer travel pet peeves (at 36.9% each), beating out other annoyances like crowded beaches, extreme weather, and other tourists.
• 46.8% cited travel websites as their top source of tourism information.

 Want more? You can view the full article here.

Recent New York Wine Awards
New York wine continues to receive accolades from around the world. According to the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, New York wineries won almost 100 medals at the Great Lakes Wine Competition. Congratulations to Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards, Keuka Spring Vineyards, Lakewood Vineyards, Lucas Vineyards, Merritt Estate, and Wagner Vineyards.

The Finger Lakes also had a strong showing at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London. Belhurst Winery, Thirsty Owl Wine Company, and Casa Larga Vineyards were all winners.

Coming Soon To Your Mailbox!
Keep an eye on your mailbox- FLTA will be sending out important partnership letters as well as an FLTA Partner Window Decal. Display the decal proudly in your business or office.