Governor Andrew M. Cuomo travelled to the Tug Hill region in the North Country on Monday, December 30 to launch “I [Snowmobile] NY,” the first part of a print, television, radio and digital, nationwide, $4.5 million winter tourism campaign aimed at promoting snowmobiling, skiing, and other recreational activities in Upstate New York.
Governor Andrew Cuomo at Tug Hill
Cuomo was joined by Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens at the Ridgeview Inn in Lowville to make the announcement of the new campaign which Cuomo said will welcome visitors from around the world to experience winter in Upstate New York.
“The North Country region is unmatched in its natural beauty and now offers new recreational trails for snowmobiling and a wide variety of other activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to explore. As one of the biggest and growing employers in the state, the tourism industry continues to play a significant role in boosting our economy,” he said.
The print and digital “I [Snowmobile] NY” ads will begin running sometime in early January in national newspapers and trade magazines.
“Governor Cuomo is shining a spotlight on the North Country, and we’re willing to take advantage of all the benefits that attention offers,” said Town of Webb Publicity Director Mike Farmer.
Senator Betty Little took part in Governor Cuomo’s Tug Hill ride. Courtesy photo
Earlier this month, the State released a report showing that the number of visitors to New York increased by 8.8 million, a 4.2% increase in 2013.
In addition, the industry is projected to generate $7.7 billion in state and local taxes with direct spending expected to reach $61.3 billion, up 7% from 2012 and double the national average.
The industry is also projected to add 24,800 jobs by the end of the year, a 3.1% increase from 2012, also double the national average.
In total, leisure and hospitality is projected to finish the year with 818,700 jobs, making tourism the third fastest growing job sector in New York.
There are 10,300 miles of snowmobile trails throughout New York—that’s more than Vermont, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, and more than Massachusetts and Michigan combined.
Since 2011, the state has spent more than $11 million for trail maintenance and development, an investment that has helped generate $868 million in economic revenue.
Approximately 90,000 New York households snowmobile.
The “I [Snowmobile] NY” ad campaign continues Governor Cuomo’s commitment to promoting tourism and supporting economic development in the North Country in order to generate revenue and create jobs.
Last summer, Governor Cuomo held various high-profile events to highlight locations in Upstate New York as world-class tourism destinations.
