Archive: Around Town

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday the official grand opening of the new Finger Lakes Welcome Center on the shore of Seneca Lake in Geneva, Ontario County. Cuomo also announced in 2017 New York welcomed 243.8 million visitors, who generated $67.7 billion in direct spending, breaking previous tourism records. The Finger Lakes Welcome Center promotes local attractions and regional food and beverage producers, including the Finger Lakes' award-winning wines. New York Kitchen, formerly the New York Wine and Culinary Center, will operate the Welcome Center.

"The Finger Lakes are one of New York's greatest treasures, and the new welcome center in Geneva celebrates the region's rich culture and heritage and encourages visitors to explore the world-class attractions," Cuomo said. "Tourism is vital to regional economies across the state, and our new visitor and spending records are proof positive of the success of our investments."

The Finger Lakes Welcome Center's theme, 'Wine and Water', promotes the world-renowned assets of the Finger Lakes by paying tribute to the region's famous vineyards and namesake lakes. The region is home to more than 100 wineries, and wine barrels are featured prominently throughout the location. This location, one of eleven Welcome Centers being built across the state, will be the first location to sell New York State-made wine, beer, and cider at its Taste NY Market. Wine tastings and other programming surrounding New York State's booming craft beverage industry are being planned. The tasting bar will be available to local wineries and other food and beverage producers to use for promotional events with reservations made available through NY Kitchen.

Senator Pam Helming said, "It is very exciting to have The Finger Lakes Welcome Center located right here in Geneva! Visitors to the Center will now have a wonderful opportunity to fully experience all that the Finger Lakes has to offer; from swimming and boating in our pristine waters to enjoying locally produced, fresh foods and award winning wines and craft brews. I am proud to have worked with Cuomo and NY Kitchen President Ginny Clark to make this project a reality. This project is a very nice complement and connection to our downtown businesses as well as to the Cornell Center of Excellence at AgriTech and the Finger Lakes Community College's viticulture and wine technology program. I thank my colleagues and the Governor for their continued focus on investing in our region."

In 2017, New York State welcomed a record 243.8 million visitors, representing a 2.6 percent increase over the previous year. Direct visitor spending also rose to $67.7 billion - a nearly $3 billion boost from 2016. Additionally, tourism remains the state's fourth largest employer, supporting more than 935,000 jobs annually.


Tourism is at the core of the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, with multiple interactive 'I LOVE NEW YORK' kiosks positioned throughout, allowing visitors to test their knowledge of the region or design a trip itinerary. A large LED screen promotes regional tourism attractions and destinations, and an artifact wall features curated regionally-specific items. Canoes donated by the Finger Lakes Boating Museum are suspended from the ceiling and have been transformed into custom lighting fixtures. A glass-encased community room offering stunning views of the picturesque Seneca Lake. Organizations and groups may register to use the room for not-for-profit meetings and events.

The Welcome Center features a Taste NY Market, which offers hot and cold lunch options such as seasonal soups and salads, sandwiches, and a kids menu, all made from fresh ingredients and products grown and produced by local farmers. The full menu can be found here. The Market will also offer grab-and-go snacks and gifts, including a variety of New York-made chips, trail mixes, jams and jellies, desserts, cheeses, maple syrup and more.

Outside the Center, a large I LOVE NEW YORK sculpture on the lake's shore provides the perfect setting for group photos and selfies, and the Walk of Fame recognizes famous New Yorkers from the region. Outdoor seating allows visitors to enjoy the local food with a vista of the lake, and a children's play area gives kids the opportunity to run and explore.

In October 2016, Cuomo announced the grand opening of the Long Island Welcome in Dix Hills, Suffolk County. Since then, Welcome Centers have opened in New York City, the Mohawk Valley, the Southern Tier, and in Central New York. The remaining five centers are scheduled to open throughout 2018.

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