I am happy to report that tourism in Cayuga County improved considerably in 2010 with occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room all rising. Click here for a complete report or stop by the Tourism Office for a printed copy.

The 2011 Official Visitor's Guide to Cayuga County and FREE map are now available at the Tourism Office. This comprehensive guide and companion map offer year round information on things to do, places to stay, and annual events in Cayuga County. Stop in the office and pick up a supply to help visitors find their way to all the great things to see and do in Cayuga County. Cross-promotion is an easy and inexpensive way to generate more tourism dollars being spent, so please make every effort to help spread the good word!

From fishing derbies to wine festivals to live theater, there's plenty to do in Cayuga County throughout the spring. Be sure to let us know if you have something special going so we can list it in our calendar of events. A new service we are offering this year is a weekly calendar emailed to all of our accommodations, so they can let their guests know about what's happening in Cayuga County. To list your event, email barb@tourcayuga.com.

The Cayuga County Office of Tourism has retained Young Strategies, Inc. a research and planning firm focused on destination marketing organizations and travel destinations, to conduct a Tourism Market Analysis for Cayuga County to be used for strategic planning purposes. The market analysis will address the very unique aspects of Cayuga County as a tourism destination, identify market segment attractions that drive tourism and categorize specific visitor types and demographics. Results of the study will be available in May. Stay tuned!

Our office space has expanded and we now have space for rotating displays to promote your tourism business or event. Several thousand people visit the Tourism Office each year and many more walk by our windows. Email barb@tourcayuga.com to reserve space and take advantage of this free promotional opportunity.

We will be heading north this year on our annual familiarization tour to help front-line tourism staff learn more about what Cayuga County has to offer visitors. This free tour is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24th and promises to be another day of fun and learning. Save the date! More details will be coming soon!

New York Heritage Weekend, a statewide celebration of New York's history and culture will be held for the first time on May 14 & 15, 2011. The weekend is being organized by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and is designed to showcase the Empire State to residents and visitors alike and to help kick off the summer tourism season. Historic sites, museums, historical societies, historic districts and any resources that connect directly with New York heritage are all invited to participate. Heritage Weekend events can include special programs, tours, open houses, free admission, discounts or any event that celebrates our heritage. Participating sites will be featured in a special promotional campaign designed to encourage the public to explore all regions of New York and learn more about our shared heritage. For more details contact Lori Duell at the Erie Canalway National Corridor, lori_duell@partner.nps.gov or 518.237.7000 ext. 220.

I Love NY is attempting to identify potential restaurants that may be interested in joining the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) and becoming a certified green restaurant. The GRA is a national non-profit organization that provides a convenient and cost-effective way for restaurants to become more environmentally responsible. Restaurants interested in this initiative should visit www.dinegreen.com for more information.

• The Aurora Inn & E.B. Morgan House were honored once again with the AAA Four Diamond Award
• The Village of Cayuga has been selected to receive assistance from Parks & Trails New York to create a 2.5 - mile walking trail
• The National Park Service is working with the Town of Montezuma to establish the "Montezuma Heritage Park," a 140-acre park thematically linked to the Erie Canal.
• For the second time, 10 Fitch Bed and Breakfast Inn received national attention on "Wheel of Fortune" as a featured prize package.
• The E.B. Morgan House in Aurora was selected as one of the top romantic hotel getaways by Travel and Leisure magazine and featured on NBC's "Today Show."