March 31, 2026

Programming Updates, Reminders,

and Key Announcements

Just this past week, we shared several major updates for the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference. Below, you’ll find some of the most important announcements and how to learn more and get involved.

Last Day to Book Your Room: Do not miss your chance to stay close to the conference at a preferred rate. Book your room TODAY! Our room blocks expire tomorrow, April 1.

Early Bird Registration Discount Expires Today: Save $50 on your registration by registering for the Conference by EOD today, March 31. Register now.

I LOVE NY Update: We are excited to announce that Rich Gagliano, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Empire State Development, and Ross Levi, Executive Director / Vice President of NYS Division of Tourism - I LOVE NY, Empire State Development, will provide an I LOVE NY update on Wednesday afternoon. A cornerstone of the New York State Tourism Conference each year, this update provides an in-depth look at New York State's latest tourism support and promotional efforts. About This Session

Banquet-Only Tickets Now Available: Not registered for the Conference but wish to join us at the Wednesday, March 22 Game Plan for the Future Banquet and Scholarship Auction? You can purchase tickets here.

Post-Immersion Tour Reception: Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and drinks as you connect with fellow attendees after the Immersion Tours, hosted by Oneida County Tourism. About the Immersion Tours

1:1 Networking Sessions: Bring your questions, challenges, and goals for 2026 and beyond. About the Sessions

Donate to the Scholarship Auction: There is still time to donate! There is no limit to what and how many items you can contribute. Donate Now

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In This Newsletter:

Issue Feature:

- Programming Updates

- Workforce Development Award

- Initiatives Tab

- Travel Show Recap

- Workforce Development Award

- Wednesday Webinar Recap

Advocacy:

- Two Minutes for Tourism Advocacy

- Be A Tourism Advocate

Industry News:

- New Member Introduction

- NYC Tourism Drives $84.7 Billion

- Canal NY MBA Program at NYSTC

- Share an Untold Story

Events:

- Engaging Travel Advisors in the NE

- State of the American Traveler

Featured Co-Ops:

- ROVA: The Magazine for Epic Road Trips

- Expedia Group Advertising 1:1 Match

Careers:

- VP for Tourism & Director of Visit Binghamton

New Tourism Excellence Awards Category:

Workforce Development

This award recognizes the advancement of New York State’s tourism industry through effective workforce development strategies, demonstrating creativity in recruitment, retention, training, or career pathway development, and/or have established unique cross-sector collaborations that strengthen local tourism talent pipelines.

All Award Categories | Nominate Now

Positive Vibes From Canadian Travelers at the Montreal Outdoor Adventure Show!

Your Tourism Champions booth was on display at the Montreal Outdoor Adventure Show at the Palais des congrès de Montréal on March 28th & 29th. We were joined in the booth by Kosta Tsimiklis from REACH GLOBAL, representing I LOVE NEW YORK, and Sylvie Nelson from Adirondack Executive Services, who...

New 'Initiatives' Tab on NYSTIA Website:

The Communications Committee is working with the NYSTIA staff to improve the navigability and content of our key communications platforms. You'll notice there is a new tab on our website labelled 'initiatives' which represents the many programs NYSTIA is spearheading. The committee and staff welcome feedback as we continue refining the site. Please email me with suggestions or ideas for improvement.

March 25 Webinar Recap: For those of you who miss last week's Wednesday Webinar Beyond the Pour: How DMOs Can Turn Wineries, Breweries & Culture Into Destination Drivers with Kelly Fitzpatrick from Zartico, you can access the recap and full recording here.

⚖️ Advocacy Matters to You

All Advocacy

Contact Your Members of Congress: Week six of an unfunded Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now in front of us and the strain is showing. Take a moment to contact your members of Congress—particularly in the Senate—and urge them to immediately fund TSA.
Two Minutes for Tourism Advocacy: The NYSTIA Advocacy Committee is gathering input on ways we can improve the Tourism It's Everybody's Business (TIEB) printable documents on our website. Share Your Thoughts.

📣 Be a Tourism Advocate! Sign up to the NYSTIA Advocacy Action Center to receive alerts in our future advocacy efforts.

Industry News:

All News

New Member Introduction: Sarah Bilofsky from 2k Design

Please welcome Sarah Bilofsky, Brand and Content Strategist who partners with 2k Design, to the NYSTIA Community! Born and raised in Syracuse, Sarah attended college on Long Island. She returned to Central New York to begin her career as a news reporter, but a love of...

Meet Sarah

NYC Tourism Drive $84.7 Billion Impact in 2025

In 2025, New York City's tourism sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, achieving a total economic impact of $84.7 billion. The success was fueled by strong domestic travel and a vibrant luxury market, with direct visitor spending reaching $55.6 billion...

Canal Society / Canal NY Marketing & Business Alliance April 23, 2026 Program

Thursday, April 23 | 10:00 - 1:30 PM

This meeting is included in your NYS Tourism Conference registration, however if you are only planning to join the Canal Society / Canal NY MBA meeting, please register below.

Learn More

NYS 250th Initiative: Share Untold Stories from Your Destination!

The DEAI Committee has launched a special America 250 initiative, NY250: Untold Stories, dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and uplifting the diverse, often overlooked, and historically marginalized stories. The goal is to collect 250 untold stories, and we...

Contribute an untold story

Events & Webinars:

Submit an Event

All Events

Engaging Travel Advisors in the Northeast through Creative Training

Webinar | AAA Northeast | April 2

Learn More

The State of the American Traveler Survey Findings - April 2026

Webinar | Future Partners | April 8

Learn More

Marketing Opportunities:

All Co-Ops

ROVA: The Magazine for Epic Road Trips

Only a few days left to sign up for the June/July Issue!

NYSTIA Co-Op

ROVA Magazine is a travel lifestyle magazine focused on road trips and outdoor adventure. Sign up for the upcoming June/July issue special NYSTIA section, with ROVA content featuring:

The Road Trippers Adventure Guide: Bike, Paddle, Hike
Vines & Vintners: Winery Road Trip
The Produce Trail: Farm Visit

Learn More & Sign Up! - Sign Up by April 7

Double Your Impact This Summer: Expedia Group Advertising 1:1 Match

As travelers book closer to departure and domestic travel continues to lead, staying visible during key decision moments is critical for capturing summer demand. Powered by the world’s largest OTA, Expedia Group Advertising helps destinations reach and convert high-intent travelers using exclusive first-party data, with ROI reporting tied directly to bookings.

Expedia Group Advertising is offering NYSTIA partners a 1:1 media match (up to $50K) on standalone targeted display campaigns—instantly doubling investment and expanding reach across travelers actively planning on Expedia Group brands. Match funding and premium inventory are allocated on a rolling basis.

Learn More

Job Postings

All Jobs

Vice President for Tourism & Director of Visit Binghamton, The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is seeking a qualified individual for the role of Vice President for Tourism and Director of Visit Binghamton – an affiliate division of the Chamber. Visit Binghamton is the official tourism promotion agency for Broome County, NY. The VP is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission to promote...

Learn More & Apply

Become a Member | Join the Partnership Community

Volunteer at a Travel Show | Be a Tourism Champion | Take Off, New York!

Donate to the Scholarship Auction

Thank you to our Partnership Community!

WHAT WE DO:

We assist our members in advancing responsible, sustainable economic growth, local job creation, small business success and increased vitality in our destination communities by realizing the potential of New York State's tourism industry.