Governor Kathy Hochul announced that more than $14.2 million will be awarded to 30 travel partners through the New York State EDA Travel Partner Sub-Incentive Program. This federal COVID-19 recovery funding through the U.S. Economic Development Agency was awarded to New York State to support the post-pandemic recovery of the state’s travel, tourism and outdoor recreation industries. Empire State Development’s Department of Tourism competitively provides funding to destination marketing organizations statewide for tourism marketing projects under the Department’s EDA grant focus areas: Outdoor Recreation, International Travel and Travel Trade, including Meetings, Incentives, Meetings and exhibitions, amateur sports and group tours.


“With our breathtaking views and landscapes, vibrant arts and culture, thriving business community and more, New York is proud to welcome visitors from around the world to experience all that our state has to offer,” Governor Hochul explain“Thanks to the Biden Administration and the New York Congressional delegation, these sub-awards will help our tourism partners reach new audiences globally and attract more visitors to our state.”


Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “New York’s tourism industry is the heart of our state, and this important funding creates a unique opportunity for the federal government to boost tourism in New York by supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and investing in the local economy.” The Pandemic The recovery has spurred new demand for travel, tourism and outdoor recreation across the state, and this vital $14.2 million in funding that I pushed for inclusion in the American Rescue Package will accelerate the economic recovery and enable us to emerge from the pandemic more than we have before serious. “


Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Every year, New York attracts millions of tourists from around the country and the world. This federal funding will help us attract even more visitors,” Senator Gillibrand said. “I thank EDA for this award and will continue to work hard to bring back more resources to grow our tourism industry.”


Representative Jerrold Nadler said, “More than two years since President Biden signed it into law, the American Rescue Plan continues to help New Yorkers and our state. Today announced $14.2 million in funding for New York State, $2.1 million of which goes directly to support Tourism New York City in New York State – will help maintain New York’s status as a leading destination for domestic and international travelers. I am proud to fight in Congress for the American Rescue Plan, which provides essential supplies to countless families, businesses and governments resources to respond to public health and economic crises.”


Representative Brian Higgins said, “Tourism is an important part of Western New York’s economy, especially as an upstate frontier community. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the industry, stopping travel and preventing local attractions from generating revenue. Thanks to statewide investments by Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Agency, historic cultural tourism and entertainment in Western New York is receiving the funding needed to continue economic recovery while bringing new and returning visitors to our local attractions. This federal funding comes as our region continues to rebuild As an ongoing investment in businesses, parks and destinations that support the growth and development of our communities.”


Representative Paul Tonko said, “As my colleagues and I advanced the American Rescue Plan, we knew that investing heavily in travel, tourism and outdoor recreation was critical to ensuring our communities fully recovered from the pandemic. Today’s awards are a direct result of caution, impact Powerful planning that will help further enhance the economic strength and vibrancy of our Capital Region and State. I look forward to seeing how these well-deserved awards further boost our local economy and benefit residents and visitors.”


Representative Joe Morell said, “Now is the time to invest in revitalizing our local tourism industry by highlighting everything our state has to offer – from outdoor recreation in the Finger Lakes region, to historic Underground Railroad stations around Rochester. I am proud to receive this federal funding For New York’s post-pandemic economic recovery, I thank Governor Hochul for his commitment to supporting our region’s unique tourism industry.”


Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is rebuilding and revitalizing its vibrant and vibrant tourism industry. Funding from the EDA will help I LOVE NY and other tourism organizations across the state facilitate targeted events and attract new tourists, supporting the continued recovery of the tourism industry.”


Ross D. Levi, Vice President of Empire State Development and Executive Director of Tourism, said“Federal EDA grants to New York State have enabled I Love New York to expand its reach in specific tourism areas. From Buffalo to Long Island, these sub-awards for our DMO colleagues will allow them to complement these efforts with regional or specific audience approaches , to focus on the areas of opportunity that most resonate with our target markets. We appreciate the support of the EDA and are proud to further support our New York tourism partners.”


Winners include:



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