Several local tourism marketing efforts will have the help of the state’s Explore NY grants.
Those grants include $50,000 each to the Niagara Wine Trail and Binational Tourism Alliance and $35,000 to promote the “Wine, Water and Wonders” project aimed at international tour operators.
The grants, administered through the Empire State Development office, are designed to “encourage integrated, thematic approaches to tourism promotion,” according to an ESD release. Gov. David Paterson announced the recipients at a conference in Lake George recently.
The $50,000 infusion nearly doubles the wine trail’s current marketing efforts, said Oscar Vizcarra, current president of the wine trail.
“(It) allows us to promote our businesses and also be competitive to other attractions with bigger budgets than we have,” Vizcarra said. “It’s a good thing for all our wineries.”
The money can be spent in any way, as long as it’s focused on marketing, Vizcarra said.
For the Binational Tourism Alliance, the money will be spent expanding the Niagara By Design program aimed at the area’s heritage tourism.
The program, which is coming up on its eighth year, has been operating as a tour and educational event in October focusing on the architecture in Western New York and Southern Ontario, said Arlene White, the tourism alliance’s executive director.
The grant will help continue an expansion of the program, including new speakers and movies, Arlene White said. The goal is to take the event from a weekend program to an “expanding season.” The tour takes people to places such as Fort Niagara, the Castellani Art Museum and Lockport’s Erie Canal attractions.
“It’s very cool in the sense that it gives people a new sense of appreciation for the place we live in,” White said. “But it also attracts new people as well.”
Grant money will also be used to advertise in cities such as New York City, Toronto, Cleveland and Rochester.
The “Wine, Water and Wonders” tour is aimed at increasing interest and awareness of Upstate New York to international tour operators, and involves tourism agencies from the Finger Lakes, Rochester, Corning and the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp.
The program is in its second year and offers a thematic trip for foreign travelers on their way from New York City to Niagara Falls.
“We’re linking activities and trying to extend the stay of the international visitor,” Percy said.
The grant money will be used to market the tour in the United Kingdom and Germany, Percy said.
Contact reporter Dan Miner at 282-2311, ext. 2263.
Local News
TOURISM: State Explore NY grants boost local marketing efforts
- Local News
-
-
Giving new life to the Diana
An effort that started four years ago is now nearing completion to get the marquee and the lights turned back on and the curtain raised for a new multi-purpose community entertainment center usage for the historic Diana theater building.
-
Nothing to wine about
The third time was the charm for Wine About Winter, which brought hundreds of residents and visitors to downtown businesses and organizations and showcased a variety of local wines Saturday.
-
Stop and Shop opens
The East Center Street Stop ‘N Shop is one of 27 Medina businesses hosting wine tastings Saturday during Wine About Winter, and the new store will offer much more when customers come back to shop.
-
Showcase event
Wine About Winter, which is being held from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, brings hundreds of residents and visitors into downtown Medina, but local stores aren’t they only area businesses being showcased this weekend.
-
Uniform Processing uses technology to help lenders, borrowers reach alternatives.
An Albion company uses computer technology to help clear up confusing mortgage transactions.
-
Parties nominate in Albion contests
The Albion Democratic and Republican party caucuses held meetings to nominate candidates for two positions on the village board Tuesday, but the evening ended with only two candidates and some disappointment in the lack of interest in local government.
-
Local leaders have power lunch
Business owners and elected officials gathered Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative luncheon to discuss the current business climate and look ahead to the legislation that could help or hinder the local economy.
-
Prepared patriots
At mobilization ceremonies across the state this weekend, hundreds of servicemen from the Army National Guard were cheered on their way to training for a possible overseas deployment.
-
A church’s rebirth
The members of the Medina United Methodist Church plan to celebrate the rebirth of their community at this year’s Easter Mass, which church leaders said could be held at the partially constructed facility that will soon be the church’s home.
-
Legislature OKs terms for property sale
The Orleans County Legislature approved a set of terms Wednesday on the proposed sale of a vacant Medina property that was once a Jubilee grocery store to Zor Inc., a holding company affiliated with Evans Ace Hardware.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
