The Cayuga County Office of Tourism has produced a free map of the County to help visitors find their way to all the great things to see and do in the area.  The map, which was designed by the local firm, Coburn Design, features a detailed guide to the County as well as the communities of Auburn, Aurora, Fair Haven, Moravia, Union Springs and Weedsport. Tourism attractions, campgrounds, golf courses, lodging, entertainment, marinas, parks & trails, restaurants, and wineries are all plotted on the map in an easy to use and attractive, colorful format.  All organizations and businesses that serve visitors are encouraged to stop by the Tourism Office to pick up a supply of maps for their establishment. 

An early spring meeting is being planned for tourism partners interested in promoting recreational boating in Cayuga County.  Charter captains, marinas and other businesses affiliated with recreation in and around the water are invited to attend.  Please indicate your interest in being included in this meeting by e-mailing meg@tourcayuga.com.

Our 2009 visitor survey has been completed, providing us with the following information: 

• The #1 source for visitor information continues to be the Internet.
• 95% of visitors requesting information from the Tourism Office found the information received to be helpful.
• 52% of those that requested a Cayuga County Travel Guide, visited Cayuga County and another 10% plan to visit in 2010.
• 51% of the survey respondents used tourcayuga.com for visitor information.
• The #1 month to visit Cayuga County was August, followed by October and September.
• 33% of visitors stayed in a hotel, motel or B&B.
• Most overnight visitors to Cayuga County stay two nights.
• The average visitor spends between $200-$349 during their visit to Cayuga County.
• When asked what they liked best about Cayuga County, visitors responded; scenery, wineries, lakes and friendly people, in that order.
• Most visitors to Cayuga County come from other parts of New York State, followed by New Jersey, Ohio, Ontario (Canada) and Pennsylvania (all tied).

Internet and web marketing are major components in our tourism marketing toolbox.  In order for web marketing to be most effective, it is important that we maximize our exposure with links to and from our site.  We make every effort to provide links to our tourism partner web sites and we are asking that our partners reciprocate this courtesy by linking back to www.tourcayuga.com.  This will not only increase traffic between sites, but also makes it much easier for our visitors to plan their trip by giving them easy access to all the things to see and do in Cayuga County.  If you are directly engaged in tourism-related services and/or business in Cayuga County, please add a link to www.tourcayuga.com today!

The 2010 Tourism Marketing Plan for Cayuga County is now available on www.TourCayuga.com.  To access the plan, click on the 'Partners' button in the upper right hand corner of the home page and then click on 'Marketing Programs.'

Economic development planners, tourism promotion professionals, and tourism business operators are invited to join colleagues at the Empire State Tourism Conference hosted by the New York State Travel & Vacation Association (NYSTVA) February 8-10, 2010 at the Marriott Hotel, Wolf Road, Albany.  Complete conference details are available at http://www.empirestatetourism.com.

As I write this newsletter, the 2010 Visitors Guide is on press.  The guide provides visitors with information on things to see & do, places to stay, eat & shop, and annual events.  In addition, the guide includes useful maps and suggested itineraries.  Please stop by the Tourism Office to pick up a supply for your organization/business.

• The Aurora Inn & E.B. Morgan House have been granted 'Green Lodging Certification' by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation for employing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.  Only 43 hotels in New York State have been granted this certification which will be part of I Love New York's 'Green New York Marketing Initiative.'
• Tourism Board member, Connie Reilley has been appointed Executive Director of the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District. Congratulations Connie!
• The Seward House Museum has hired Billye J. Chabot as their new Executive Director. Ms. Chabot was previously executive director of the Blount Mansion in Knoxville, TN. Her first day at the Seward House Museum will be February 1st. We look forward to welcoming her to Auburn and Cayuga County!
• Cayuga County's newest winery, Izzo's White Barn Winery, opened on December 26th. The winery is located at 6634 Cayuga Road in Cayuga and will be open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.