Ontario County Chamber of Commerce will not relocate
After intending to relocate, the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce (ONChamber) has decided to remain at its current 113-117 South Main Street location in Canandaigua. In June, the Chamber had listed its property for sale, ... more
Seneca County seeks resident feedback on local tourism impact
The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce is inviting local residents to voice their opinions on the effects of the tourism industry on the region. Through a concise six-minute survey, the Chamber aims to gather insights ... more
New York tourism thrives in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic highs
New York's tourism sector witnessed a remarkable rebound in 2022, not only matching pre-COVID-19 levels but also setting new records, as revealed by Gov. Kathy Hochul's office. Last year, the state welcomed a historic 291.5 ... more
New Thruway rest area in Victor opens with Dunkin’, Popeyes, and convenience store
The New York State Thruway Authority unveiled the newly renovated Seneca Service Area in Victor, NY, marking the 11th location to welcome travelers amid a $450 million project aiming to revamp all 27 Thruway rest ... more
Watkins Glen Chamber celebrates Schuyler Tributes winners
The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the Schuyler Tributes Award Winners during its annual awards luncheon on Wednesday, August 23 at the Seneca Lake Events Center. Over 100 local dignitaries and businesses attended ... more
Seneca County Chamber of Commerce needs $500,000 for Tyre HQ project
The Seneca County Chamber of Commerce faces financial hurdles in realizing its dream of converting a historic house into its new headquarters and a visitors center. Chamber President Jeff Shipley tells the Finger Lakes Times ... more
Gas prices soar amid summer travel boom
Gas prices in New York State have surged by nearly 10 cents in the past week, standing at an average of $3.90 per gallon as of now. This increase, reportedly driven by a high demand ... more
Study advocates for new hotel locations near Emerson Park, Owasco Lake
A draft study conducted by REVPAR International, a hospitality advisory firm, has identified two potential sites near Emerson Park and Owasco Lake for the development of a new hotel in the Auburn area. According to ... more
Finger Lakes region fulfills criteria to receive National Heritage Area designation
The National Park Service (NPS) has determined that the Finger Lakes region fulfills the criteria for a national heritage area (NHA) designation. The region, spanning 14 counties in total, underwent a feasibility study assessing its ... more
Cayuga County tourism office wins prestigious awards
The Cayuga County Office of Tourism has been recognized by the New York State Tourism Industry Association with two major awards. One of these is the Excellence in Young Professional Leadership Award, which was given ... more
Lakeside Trolley coming to Watkins Glen soon
The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce announced a Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Lakeside Trolley, a new transportation service. The opening celebration, scheduled for Thursday, July 20, 2023, coincides with the Chamber's Summer Rendezvous event ... more
Cayuga County tourism prepares for major rebound in 2023
As Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and the tourism season in the Finger Lakes, Auburn and Cayuga County are poised to see visitor numbers bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. Gillian Sears from the ... more
New proposed rules for airline cancellations: They could owe you money if your flight gets cancelled!
As the summer travel season approaches, the Biden administration unveiled a new plan on Monday to hold airlines accountable for flight cancellations and delays. Under the proposal, airlines will be required to compensate passengers for ... more
United States, Canada border to reopen as pandemic measures end
The US-Canada land border, which closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will finally lift the last remaining pandemic-related restriction next week. A vaccine requirement for Canadian travelers will be removed, allowing increased ... more
Cayuga County Tourism office becomes first to achieve certification through CBTU program
Cayuga County Office of Tourism has become the first organization to achieve certification through Travel Unity’s Certified By Travel Unity (CBTU) program. CBTU is the travel and tourism industry’s only certification program that validates visitor-facing ... more
FAA concerned about summer flights with travel, staff shortages
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned of potential disruptions to summer travel due to a shortage of air traffic controllers at New York's Terminal Radar Approach Control (N90) facility. The FAA held a meeting ... more
Inside the all-new Clifton Springs Rest Area: Much larger than Junius location (video + photos)
For those who were underwhelmed by the Junius Ponds Rest Area along the New York State Thruway in the heart of the Finger Lakes, the newly-opened Clifton Springs Rest Area will elicit the exact opposite ... more
AAA says international travel is on the rise: How to prepare in 2023?
International trips are on the rise this year. According to AAA booking data, international travel is up more than 200% compared to 2022. Hotel bookings are seeing the biggest jump, up more than 300% over ... more
Gas prices rising throughout the U.S.
Gas prices continue to rise across the country, with the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline reaching $3.48, a nickel increase from last week. Increased demand for gasoline and rising oil prices are ... more
