This year the Cayuga County Office of Tourism is launching a four-year strategic plan based on the recommended strategies produced in the Randall Travel Marketing Study, 2006-2007. The plan includes a revamping of marketing materials, which encompasses web site, visitor guide, primary ads and public relations initiatives. A primary focus will be on the leisure traveler, especially those looking for great places to host family reunions, weddings, and other special family and friend events, a niche that Cayuga County is well suited for. Look for our new image in our completely restructured visitors guide to be out in early February as well as new ads, which will begin appearing this spring. We look forward to 2008 with optimism and enthusiasm as we reposition Cayuga County tourism to compete regionally and nationally for our share of the tourism market. Stay tuned for more!

As part of our strategic plan for the future, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism is pleased to announce that Maureen McEvers has been promoted to the position of Digital Marketing Manager. In this newly created position, Maureen will be responsible for promoting Cayuga County through electronic media, including web site management, e-marketing and other new technological developments with applications to the travel and tourism industry. With Internet marketing being one of the most effective communication and promotion vehicles in the marketplace this new position is a major milestone for the Tourism Office!

The second annual Lake Ontario Showcase sponsored by the Lake Ontario Sportsfishing Promotion Council (LOSPC) and Bass Pro Shops will be held at Bass Pro Shops Sportsman's Center in Auburn, March 28-30, 2008. LOSPC is a regional marketing group comprised of Cayuga County and six other counties working together to promote fishing and traveling along New York's Lake Ontario shoreline. The showcase provides an opportunity for anglers to meet with Lake Ontario fishing-related businesses and to get better acquainted with the world class Lake Ontario fishery. The show promises to be both educational and entertaining with Lake Ontario experts from the environmental field, charter fishing services and tackle manufacturers participating as well as prizes for the kids and a drawing for a fishing trip on Lake Ontario. Angler-related businesses (guide and charter services, marinas, and other fishery-related businesses or organizations) are invited to apply for booth space at the event to promote their service or product. Booth space will be allocated on a first-come; first serve basis and a small registration fee will be charged. For further information and/or a participation registration form, contact Wayne Hale, show coordinator at 585-589-3187 or whale@orleansny.com or log onto www.ilovenyfishing.com.

The Cayuga County Calendar of Events is now completely on-line. If you have an event coming up that will bring visitors to Cayuga County, check out our events calendar to see if your event is listed. If it is not listed or you have additional details to add, contact jesse@tourcayuga.com and request a Calendar of Events listing form. Your event must occur in Cayuga County and have the potential to draw visitors from outside our local communities. Event listings are FREE.

The Explore NY Arts "Teacups & Treasures" promotional campaign highlights three unique aspects of our regional art and cultural traditions; the art of the front porch (public art), teacups and the art of giving and having tea, and Tiffany glass and other glass-related arts. If your business or organization would like to become involved in this initiative which will help visitors find and experience our art treasures, both large and small, you are invited to attend an informational meeting on Monday, February 4, 2008, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Auburn. To sign up for the meeting, please email meg@tourcayuga.com or call 255-1658 by January 31.

Did you know that tourism is responsible for $84.3 million dollars in direct sales in Cayuga County? Visitors spend these dollars on lodging, recreation, food & beverage, retail, transportation and second homes according to the Tourism Economics report supplied by the NYS Division of Tourism this past December. Tourism also employs 1,414 people and generates state and local taxes in excess of $14 million annually. Looking at the figures its plain to see that tourism is an economic asset to Cayuga County and a potential engine for spurring economic growth. Congratulations to all of you that make up our tourism community!

The average visitor to Cayuga County is 53 years old, retired, professional or a semi-skilled worker. They come from other parts of New York State, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, Virginia, Connecticut, and Ohio and they are traveling with adults only. Most of them only plan their visit a month out and book a two-night stay in a hotel, motel or B&B. Why do they come to Cayuga County? To enjoy our fantastic scenery, beautiful lakes, great food and wine, world-class fishing, and unique shopping. Our small town/rural atmosphere and friendly people are also cited as a major reason people like to visit Cayuga County. This information is based on the research findings in Randall Travel Marketing's report prepared for the Cayuga County Office of Tourism in 2007. We use this data to make strategic marketing decisions for the county and we are happy to share this information with our tourism partners to assist them with their marketing activities. For a copy of the Randall Travel Marketing report, email info@tourcayuga.com.

Mary Moore, Corporate Director of Group Sales for the Holiday Inn, Auburn, will be attending the American Bus Association's (ABA) Annual Marketplace February 2-7, 2008 where she has appointments with 47 tour operators from throughout North America. If you have any new product, services, or programs that would be of interest to the group tour market, email Mary at servus@hiauburn.com.