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New York's Governor Cuomo launches largest tourism campaign in decades; Includes Targeting LGBT Community

ALBANY, NY -- Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo,(D) announced Wendesay the launch of New York's largest tourism campaign in decades, committing nearly $60 million to grow the industry, create jobs and attract even more visitors to the Empire State.Tourism summit generates new ideas to bring more visitors to New York state

The governor's announcement came at the conclusion of the New York State Tourism Summit, where hundreds of tourism experts gathered in Albany to discuss ideas and new ways to bring tourists to every corner of the state. As the fifth-largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012. One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. The more than 202 million international and domestic visitors that visited the Empire State last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes.

"New York state has some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the beaches of Long Island, no matter what you're looking for you can find it here," Cuomo said. 

"I want the world to know about these assets, too, and am committed to making the state a 'must see' global destination, and creating new jobs and investments in New York."

After discussions with tourism experts and hearing the concerns and ideas of local and international tourism officials, the governor announced a series of initiatives designed to make New York the tourism capital of the world.

Cuomo said the state would invest nearly $60 million in tourism funding - the highest level of tourism funding in decades, making New York state third in the country in tourism funding. Last year, the state invested $19 million in tourism funding.

One of the new campaigns announced by Cuomo was the I Love NY LGBT niche tourism initiative to market New York to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community, which accounts for approximately $70 billion in tourism spending in the U.S. every year.

Wednesday's summit follows a series of other initiatives spearheaded by Cuomo, including "New York Open for Fishing and Hunting," "Path Through History," "Wine, Beer and Spirits" tourism and the "Adirondack Challenge," designed to lure new visitors, create new jobs and spotlight the state's natural beauty and unparalleled attractions.