December 9, 2025

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You're Invited! Upcoming Events:

The Office of Cultural Education is excited to invite you to the 2nd Annual Winter New York State 250 Commemoration Summit! Join us for updates and presentations from a wide variety of state officials, cultural, history and tourism entities and executives. This will be the first commemoration streamed live for those who cannot attend in person.

Register for Free

Tomorrow:

Join us for our final Wednesday Webinar of the Fall 2025 series and gain a deeper understanding of travel trade, how it supports year-round visitation, and how you can build upon your knowledge at any experience level. In this practical workshop led by Hayley Coriaty, Director of Operations at Alon Tourism Solutions, you'll learn how New York State destinations and businesses can strengthen their engagement with international travel trade and grow their share of the international inbound market.

The session will outline practical strategies Alon uses to help you build trade-ready products, expand global partnerships, and access professional development opportunities through the Steps to Success™ Online Program, available to NYSTIA members through 2025. Register Now

November 26 Webinar Recap: For those of you who miss last week's Wednesday Webinar Trail Towns: Boosting New York's Outdoor Recreation Economy with Erica Schneider of Park & Trails New York and Morgan McClary of Montgomery County, you can access the full recording, recap and slide deck here.

On Friday, December 5, Gov. Hochul vetoed bill S.7001/A.7616. The bill would have changed the state’s contracting law to address nonprofits' challenges getting paid by the state for everything from social services to disaster recovery. The NYSTIA Advocacy Committee discussed a general support for the bill and was posed to engage in social media communications to the Governor to sign the bill into law, however the veto came before any action could be taken.

The New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) will be following up on this issue and we will keep you informed.

Governor Kathy Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to start their year off with wellness at the forefront by participating in a First Day Hike for free. New Yorkers will have an opportunity to “Get Offline, and Get Outside” this holiday season, by celebrating the New Year at state parks, historic sites, natural areas, canal trails, environmental education centers and various other public lands across the Empire State on January 1, 2026. The 15th annual First Day Hikes program offers varied hike options for people of all experience levels at 117 locations across the state.  

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Canal Corporation are partnering to host the many walks and hikes taking place throughout the state as part of the 15th annual First Day Hikes program...

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KOS is New York's first public floating sauna, inspired by the stunning fjord saunas of Norway. We are on a mission to inspire people to be happy, healthy, and connect through heat. Our year-round, community-driven sauna offers shared social sessions....

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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced that the 2026 Empire Pass is now available for purchase. The $80 Empire Pass provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to New York State Parks, state boat launch sites...  

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The Museum Association of New York MANY's conference programming reflects the full diversity of New York's museum landscape. We will convene in Albany to elevate the museum field's role in public policy, funding, education, and economic development...

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Under New York’s County Infrastructure Grant Program, Empire State Development will provide up to $100 million in grants to support county-led infrastructure projects across the State. Eligible projects include small and moderate-scale infrastructure projects identified by the county which directly or indirectly support economic development, support housing creation, contribute to placemaking, or encourage tourism.

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The end of the year has a way of reminding us how much we need a little breathing room. As winter settles in, give yourself space to recharge. Whether that means a quiet morning at home, a weekend somewhere new, or time reconnecting with those who matter most.

Looking ahead to 2026, consider setting aside a few of your earned days now. When we actually take the time we’ve worked for, we return clearer, lighter, and more present. And our communities benefit, too.

This season, choose rest. Choose renewal. #TakeOffNY

#SammysSuitcase #UseYourPTO

Access the free Take Off, New York media kit

NYSTIA's DREAMSCAPES Content Marketing Initiative Co-Op will reach all subscribers of The Globe and Mail across Canada, as well as select subscribers (the highest desired income neighborhoods) of the Toronto Star!

This NYSTIA Co-Op offers a 50/50 advertising and article content marketing investment at less than 50% of what members would page for at normal rates! Reserve one month in advance of the closing date for an issue and DREAMSCAPES staff will write and design the editorial feature content for your 50/50 advertising and article feature. 

Learn More & Sign Up

This special program, developed in partnership between International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) and Alon Tourism Solutions, is designed to help destinations, suppliers, and tourism professionals better understand how to work with inbound tourism operators and how international travel trade relationships can grow their business.

Learn More & Sign Up - NYSTIA members secure 30% off on any purchases through EOD on 12/31!

The Senior Sales & Services Manager plays a central role in positioning Warren County, Lake George, and the Southern Adirondacks as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, group events, and sports tourism. This role leads the proactive sales strategy for the LGRCVB, promotes partner facilities and community assets...Learn More & Apply

Share your organization's job posting: Submit Here.

Become a Member | Join the Partnership Community

Volunteer at a 2025 Travel Show | Submit a Workshop Proposal

Be a 2026 Tourism Champion | Take Off, New York!