ROOST releases results of first-ever Hamilton Country snowmobiler survey Carrie Gentile, communications coordinator Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism direct: 518.621.3665 or 518.523.2445 ext. 123 August 10, 2018 Indian Lake, NY - A study conducted jointly by ROOST and the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce confirms that snowmobilers contribute to Hamilton County communities by generating overnight stays at local hotels and motels, and dining in restaurants. Of the snowmobilers who completed the survey, more than one-third of them stayed overnight, booking an average of 2.85 nights with an average party size of 4.2 people. They reported spending an average of $450 per day on lodging, meals, shopping, entertainment, attractions and transportation. The respondents who stayed with family or friends, or at their second home, reported an average expenditure of $321 per day, and day-trippers average $190 per day. "The joint study by ROOST and the Town of Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce confirms that snowmobiling is a primary driver of winter tourism in Hamilton County,” said Darrin Harr, director of the Town of Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce. “These snowmobilers have ample money to spend at our businesses. Whatever we can do to get more snowmobilers here will further boost our winter economy.” The 18-question survey, featuring questions about topics ranging from lodging arrangements and other activities they participated in to demographic profile questions, was primarily distributed via ilsnow.com (Indian Lake’s snowmobile website) and yielded 306 results. "This survey further reinforces the point that snowmobiling is not only good for the Adirondacks, but for New York state tourism,” said Indian Lake Supervisor Brian Wells. "The leaders in Albany should understand the value of snowmobiling for the small communities inside the Blue Line and be working with local government to see communities connected by trails that are wide and safe.” The study also suggests that travelers who come for snowmobiling have a slightly higher income than those who travel here for other recreational opportunities. Thirty-eight percent of day trippers report an annual household income between $80,000 and $124,999. Thirty percent of overnight guests reported to be in the same bracket. Twenty-five percent of overnight guests and 30 percent of those who stayed with family/friends or in their second home earned between $125,000 - $200,000. This skews higher than the average annual income of all travelers who reported $87,662 a year on the latest Leisure Travel Study. “This information ensures that ROOST, as the destination marketing organization, will make informed decisions when constructing a marketing plan for snowmobiling in Hamilton County,” said Michelle Clement, ROOST’s Director of Marketing. ROOST will continue to collect data on snowmobiling and its contribution to the Adirondack economy. This survey can serve as a baseline. A copy of the full report can be found here. ###

September, 2018 ROOST 's design staff recently created an Adirondack travel map that includes most of New York's North Country. The navigation map contains a list of the communities and a brief description of its assets. Please stop by the ROOST office at 2608 Main Street to pick up copies for you and your customers and guests!

ROOST, in conjunction with the Malone Chamber of Commerce, business and community leaders, and the Franklin County Economic Development Office, created a multi-page guide aimed at travelers in the Malone Region. The guide offers suggested itineraries in several categories - from outdoor recreation to historical tours, with the goal of assisting visitors by showcasing all that the region has to offer. The guides are available for pick up at the Malone Chamber of Commerce at 497 E. Main Street.

Travel Unity Announces Speaker Lineup for the 4th Annual Travel Unity Summit. Event in the Adirondacks will focus on Economic Development Through Diversity September 30, 2018 – New York, NY. In anticipation of its 4th Annual Travel Unity Summit, Travel Unity, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing diversity in the travel space, is pleased to announce the speaker lineup for its 2018 Travel Unity Summit. With a focus on “Economic Development Through Diversity,” the 4th annual Travel Unity Summit will be held October 27-28, 2018 in New York State’s Adirondack region. On Saturday, October 27, Travel Unity will welcome attendees to Conference Center in Lake Placid and on Sunday, October 28, at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake. The summit's extensive speaker lineup includes: Markly Wilson, Director of International Marketing for the New York State Division of Tourism (I Love NY); Stephanie Ratcliff, Executive Director, Wild Center; Laura DiBeta, Director of Outdoor Recreation at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; Michelle Clement, Director of Marketing for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) and Ernest White II, a producer and host of the global reality based TV series Fly Brother. The summit's theme of “economic development through diversity” reflects how demographic shifts across New York State, like those nationally, demand changes in how destinations and attractions market and prepare for new visitors. "Travel Unity is extremely excited to be working with such an illustrious group of thought leaders to discuss this topical and needed issue," said Roni Weiss, Executive Director of Travel Unity. "This is a big step for Travel Unity. Our summit is expanding our footprint outside of New York City, bringing our network to the benefit of the rest of the state. We look forward to this being the start of the deepening of relationships with our friends from New York State's various regions." The workshops and sessions on Saturday, October 27, look first at the state of accessibility, diversity and inclusion in tourism before shifting to how businesses, non-profits, and tourism professionals can address the needs of changing populations in an authentic and welcoming manner. The presentations on Sunday, October 28, will feature speakers looking at the intersection of sustainability and diversity, along with cultural exchange in the Adirondacks. For a complete list of speakers on both days, visit: travelunity.org/speakers. For more information about the Travel Unity Summit, including online registration and the summit agenda, go to travelunity.org. ###