On May 8th, Governor Cuomo announced 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. It's rewarding to know that the Governor recognizes tourism as a major player in New York State's economy!

The Cayuga County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors elected three new board members at their Annual Meeting, held June 4th at Chantelle-Marie Lakehouse. Jim Hotaling, owner of Smokey Hollow Maple Syrup, Dan Larson, President of the Fair Haven Area Chamber of Commerce and Shelly Ferris, co-owner of the Colonial Lodge were all elected to serve two-year terms.

The Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway has launched a new geocaching trail to take geocachers to stops around the Cayuga Lake basin to experience the scenic, natural, historic and cultural resources of the area. Twenty caches have been strategically placed and geocachers are challenged to locate 15 of these caches to receive a Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway geocoin that commemorates the 10-year anniversary of the Byway.   Supported by Geocaching.com, the Cayuga, Seneca and Tompkins counties' tourism offices, several towns and villages and the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, Inc. Board of Directors, the trail was introduced to expand tourism activities in the Cayuga Lake Region. To learn more about the GeoTrail and the other opportunities the Byway has to offer, visit www.cayugalake.com. 

To serve the many visitors expected in Cayuga County this summer, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism, located at 131 Genesee Street in downtown Auburn, will be open Saturdays, July 6 to August 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in addition to it's normal hours, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. The Office which serves as an information center for travelers stocks a full array of attraction and accommodation brochures and maps as well as the Official Visitors Guide to Cayuga County. Trained tourism staff is available to help plan itineraries and answer inquiries. If you have not already given us a supply of your brochure, please deliver 50 copies to the office at your earliest convenience so we can help you promote your business. A second, satellite brochure distribution point is maintained at Arby's/Tim Horton's in Weedsport for a fee of $50 per year per brochure. Call Barb at the Tourism Office for more information.