The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has released results of its recent sustainability survey, developed to assess the importance of social, economic and environmental initiatives undertaken within the Adirondack region to travelers. ROOST also shared the results of its annual leisure travel study, undertaken during the same time period, which uncovers visitor demographics and information about their travel expenditures while in the region. Both surveys analyze non-business travel to Lake Placid, Essex and Hamilton counties, along with the adjacent communities of Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. ROOST conducts research throughout the year to identify visitor preferences and industry trends, while also assessing the impact of its marketing initiatives over time. Sustainability Survey Results of the sustainability survey indicated that roughly half of the respondents traveled from within New York state, 21 percent from within the Northeast US and others from areas farther away. Approximately 80 percent of survey respondents traveled from within a day's drive of the region. Survey respondents were asked how important sustainability factors are when planning a trip. A substantial majority (86 percent) of this group feel that sustainability is at least a moderate consideration and 26 percent feel it is a “very important” consideration. Key findings include: More than one in four respondents state that sustainability is a “very important” consideration when making travel plans. Over half of respondents indicate sustainability is an influential factor at least “often.” Travelers often seek out businesses and organizations that support other local businesses and communities. ROOST’s sustainability survey respondents believe that the Adirondack region is making significant efforts, especially considering the environmental aspect of sustainability. This finding is important, considering that 91 percent of respondents feel positively influenced by sustainability practices when making purchase decisions; more than half of respondents indicated that this is “often” a consideration. Respondents were also asked about local sustainability practices they look for when planning a vacation. 20 percent indicated that restaurants and businesses that support local farms, suppliers and artisans impact their decision to frequent those establishments. Community involvement is also essential. Business’ donations to charities and nonprofits, along with local ownership of businesses, positively impact travelers’ choice of visitation. Seventeen percent of respondents indicated that regional plans to care for, manage and limit negative impacts on the area’s hiking trails also factored into their decision about visiting a region. Environmental emissions practices such as public transportation options and the ability to drive rather than fly to an area also influence their decision making. According to Michelle Clement, director of marketing at ROOST, while sustainability has been a focus within ROOST for many years, this is the first year that a survey was conducted to gauge visitor perceptions. “Understanding the importance of sustainability practices to travelers, and how these practices impact their behavior, can help us continue to advance how we position the region. Considering that travelers look for evidence of sustainability initiatives when making travel decisions, investing in green initiatives is not only good for the environment and our overall quality of life, it is also good for business,” she explained. “Sharing information about sustainable practices is another marketing opportunity we will continue to focus on in the years ahead.” 2022 Leisure Travel StudyIn conjunction with the sustainability study, ROOST has also released the results of its 2022 Leisure Travel Study. “We base marketing initiatives on data and industry trends to optimize the impact of our efforts,” said Clement. “These two surveys provide important insights, allowing us to better understand leisure travelers, their interests and preferences.” Key findings include: Visitation from the Northeast states outside of New York remains consistent at 18 percent of respondents; visitation from outside the Northeast US increased slightly to 8 percent. Canadian visitation is rebounding with 2 percent of respondents from Quebec and 2 percent from Ontario. Increased expenditure levels were reported by 2022 visitors, compared to 2021. Twenty-three percent of respondents who visited Essex County reported visiting Olympic sites as an attraction, a sizable jump from the 17 percent reporting such interest in 2021. Results from the 2022 Leisure Travel Study saw a return to typical activities for visitors following two heavily impacted pandemic years. During the height of the pandemic, 80 percent of visitors came from within New York state, since out-of-state travel was restricted. During 2022, travel to the region from within New York returned to the pre-pandemic level (70 percent). Reported fall visitation within Essex County in September and October (29 percent) exceeded reported summer visitation in July/August (23 percent), for the second consecutive year. Those who visit the region from July through October continue to cite outdoor activities as a significant reason for visiting. Hiking remains one of the most popular activities (79 percent) across all seasons. Of those, 71 percent were interested in day hikes, 31 percent were interested in leisure or hard surface hiking, along with 24 percent interested in family hiking. Hiking within the region’s highest peaks or as part of a more challenging adventure experienced a surge in popularity from 12 percent in 2021 to 21 percent in 2022. Paddling was another important activity for approximately 35 percent of travelers, a slight increase from 2021. Other significant findings include that the majority of people (38 percent) continue to choose to stay in a hotel, motel or resort, as opposed to camping (12 percent), private rental or with family/friends. Total expenditure per trip in 2022 was approximately $1,697, with lodging, meals and shopping making up the majority of that amount. Lodging expenditure ($787) represents a 23 percent increase from 2021. Hamilton County results echoed those of Essex County, with hiking and paddling as the most popular activities, the majority of visitors hailing from within New York and from the Northeast US, an increase in average expenditure, and a marked increase in fall visitation. Hamilton County welcomed a higher percentage of campers than Essex County. The 2022 Sustainability Survey Analysis and the 2022 Leisure Travel Study can be found at RoostADK.com. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

Lake Placid - Essex County Quality Destination, Inc. (LPECQD), a subsidiary of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), seeks an experienced candidate for the role of economic development director. The successful candidate will help lead and direct the implementation of key objectives of the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan 2030. The economic development director will plan, organize, and implement economic development functions within the Town of North Elba and Village of Lake Placid, including business attraction and retention initiatives, housing diversification, grant application, research, and public engagement. This position will report to the LPECQD board of directors, with primary points of contact being the co-chairs of the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan Committee (DMPC). According to local officials, the economic development director will work to attract new industries and professional services as well as leverage investments in regional sports venues and local professional expertise to expand industry segments, ongoing investment, and clusters of professional services. The position will work with the governing body to ensure a collaborative and effective approach to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for all year-round residents. “The vast majority of people in both the public and private sectors understand the benefits of a more diverse local economy,” stated Derek Doty, Town of North Elba supervisor. “This is an exciting time to introduce a professional economic development position to serve Lake Placid and North Elba.” “Eighty percent of all economic activity in Lake Placid and North Elba is tourism,” stated Village of Lake Placid Mayor Art Devlin. “The community will benefit from a professional economic development entity to vary the industries in the region.” Diverse stakeholders from government, community, tourism, and economic development have come together to execute the destination management plan and support this new position. The Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan provides a 10-year road map, aligning the priorities of local government, economic development, community organizations, and residents to balance the tourism industry with community needs. The goal is to ensure a quality of life for residents that complements the quality of the place for visitors. Destination Management Plan Committee members explained that the primary objective of the plan is to diversify and optimize the local economy to provide new employment and financial opportunities for residents. Other objectives include increasing long-term resident housing diversity, addressing environmental sustainability regionally, developing a dedicated event management strategy, aligning industry investments to benefit everyone, and engaging all local and visitor audiences. “This position will work with community development leaders to audit what has been done to date, identify gaps, and source opportunities that will fit our community,” stated Emily Kilburn Politi, DMPC co-chair. “This position will work in partnership with the county and local governments to expand opportunities as well.” “Tourism is the main economic engine in the Village of Lake Placid and the Town of North Elba,” stated Dan Kelleher, DMPC co-chair. “Expanding and diversifying employment and business opportunities for residents will facilitate an improved quality of life for all Adirondack stakeholders.” The Town of North Elba and ROOST will allocate funding for the position from the Community Tourism Enhancement Fund portion (CTEF), which is derived from the additional 2% occupancy tax implemented in 2020. ROOST, as a destination marketing and management organization, supports new community initiatives that improve quality of life for residents and the visitor experience. “Destination development and management is an important component of ROOST’s strategic plan,” stated Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST COO. “ROOST will be supporting this new position to ensure sustainability of our region.” “The committee will work to address the six pillars within the plan with priority on economic development which includes the housing industry,” stated Darcy Rowe Norfolk, Olympic Regional Development Authority director of communications.” “We are working together to achieve shared goals.” Interested candidates should apply through Indeed at: ROOST Economic Development Director About Lake Placid - Essex County Quality Destination, Inc. Lake Placid - Essex County Quality Destination, Inc., a subsidiary of the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), is a not-for-profit organization established to promote, educate, and foster quality destinations which will result in economic growth and benefit for the townships within Essex County, New York. The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Lake Placid and Essex County, Hamilton County, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake in New York. About the Lake Placid and North Elba Destination Management Plan The destination management plan was initiated by the Town of North Elba, Village of Lake Placid, and ROOST in 2019. The process began with an empirical destination assessment based on a comprehensive survey of public and private stakeholders. Results identified opportunities and challenges for the community emanating from tourism as well as a series of prioritized action items. The process involved a year of community engagement that included one-on-one interviews, focus groups, visioning workshops, and town hall meetings. This outreach was supplemented with an extensive review of existing research and planning documents to ensure the strategies in the destination management plan align and support other community goals. Throughout the entire process there was a general consensus that quality of life in the community won’t be improved in the future if the challenges identified in the plan are not addressed. The plan seeks to unify the community around shared goals and defined outcomes. The two most prominent themes in the plan are about diversifying economic development and expanding housing options for full-time residents. Members of the Destination Management Plan Committee include: Emily Kilburn Politi (co-chair), Town of North Elba; Dan Kelleher (co-chair), New York State Adirondack Park Agency; Jackie Kelly, Village of Lake Placid; Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST; Darcy Norfolk, Olympic Regional Development Authority; Tim Seymour, Lake Placid School District; Lori Fitzgerald, Town of North Elba and Village of Lake Placid Community Development Commission; and James Lemons, Lake Placid Center for the Arts.

The Adirondack Railroad is offering three extraordinary train rides, providing unforgettable experiences that combine the best of railway travel and exploration. The trains depart from Thendara, Utica, and Tupper Lake providing excursions to and from the Tupper Lake area throughout summer and fall. The Adirondack Mountaineer and the High Peaks Limited transport passengers to Tupper Lake, from Utica and Thendara, encouraging visitors to discover Tupper Lake’s attractions, restaurants, shops and activities. The Tupper Lake Explorer provides a round trip journey from Tupper Lake to Sabattis. The Adirondack Mountaineer departs from Thendara, New York at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays throughout the summer and fall, transporting passengers over rivers and streams and through evergreen forests to Tupper Lake. Travelers have the unique opportunity to spend a 4.5-hour layover in downtown Tupper Lake visiting the town’s local restaurants, shops, and attractions. This summer, the Adirondack Railroad Preservation Society is partnering with Tupper Lake Central School District to provide buses for passengers during the Adirondack Mountaineer’s layover, providing transportation to the Park Street business district or the Wild Center, a family-friendly natural history museum that shares the story of the Adirondacks, complete with an elevated trail for visitors to climb across the treetops. The bus provides round-trip transportation to and from these local attractions for rail passengers. The Tupper Lake Station also offers 2-hour railbike excursions, another option for exploring the area as visitors can continue along the local rail line. Riders can pedal a 7-mile round trip route along the rails while taking in spectacular views of the Raquette River. Railbike excursions are available everyday in the summer and weekends through September and October. Passengers should visit adirondackscenicrailbikes.com to reserve a railbike excursion ahead of their visit. According to Katie LaLonde, Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism’s Tupper Lake marketing manager, the Tupper Lake area offers exciting opportunities in its downtown area. “Tupper Lake is a vibrant community,” she said. “The restaurants, activities, waterfront, events and attractions sometimes take visitors by surprise. There is so much to see and do in Tupper Lake, whether it be a concert, a baseball game, a visit to the Wild Center, visiting one of the most popular Adirondack breweries, or meandering along Main Street, Tupper Lake is a fantastic place to discover.” The High Peaks Limited train offers a similar route with an additional starting point, further away in Utica, with a 1.5-hour layover in Tupper Lake. This route was renewed last fall for the first time in 57 years; this summer, it will provide trips on July 22, August 19 and October 14. This scenic ride offers a full day adventure beginning at 8:30 a.m. from Utica or at 11:00 a.m. from Thendara, arriving in Tupper Lake at 1 p.m. Passengers will have an hour and a half layover in Tupper Lake before heading back to Thendara or Utica at 2:30 p.m. Those who choose to disembark for lunch can visit Tupper Lake’s charming restaurants, many within walking distance of the train station. First-class and diamond-class ticket holders can enjoy additional amenities, such as a complimentary beverage, hors d’oeuvres, and seating in the Dome car, which offers 360-degree views. The cafe car will also be available for coach customers. The Tupper Lake Explorer invites passengers on a two-hour train ride from Tupper Lake to Sabattis, immediately returning to its starting point. This enchanting journey starts at 12:30 pm on Sundays throughout the summer and fall. It crosses the Raquette River, small Adirondack lakes, and expansive marshes. Passengers will be able to spot the ruins of an old mill or catch a glimpse of the fire tower atop Mt. Arab. The Tupper Lake Explorer offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and explorers of all ages. Adirondack Railroad’s rail experiences provide transportation to and from villages that provide travelers with unique experiences. Visit www.adirondackrr.com for reservations and additional information. About Adirondack Railroad The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society (ARPS), operator of the Adirondack Railroad aims to preserve and restore rail service between the High Peaks region, Central New York and beyond via rail connections in Utica. ARPS partners with communities and businesses along the line to promote the railway and as an economic development driver while offering historical and environmental education opportunities. Contact:Sydney Aveson, communications coordinatorRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-831-5375sydney@roostadk.com

Road closures and traffic delays expected on July 23 The 24th Ironman Lake Placid will take place on Sunday, July 23. Ironman Lake Placid has established a community liaison, based on the importance and success of last year’s position, to assist businesses and community members with issues related to pre-event training, along with addressing specific race-day issues. The community liaison is the primary point of contact regarding road closures, traffic delays, and any other inquiries or concerns. This position is expected to work closely with race officials and other local agencies to quickly mitigate any issues that arise. Recognizing the potential temporary disruptions caused by hosting a large-scale event like Ironman Lake Placid, a task force was established after the 2021 event to uncover and address community concerns, improve safety and logistics, and establish ways to communicate more effectively with community members and participants. One important outcome was the establishment of the community liaison position to assist with addressing business, community, organizer, volunteer and participant concerns ahead of the race, along with mitigating specific race-day challenges. According to Race Director Greg Borzilleri, the Ironman Lake Placid community liaison will work closely with the local community to ensure coordination, provide timely information, and address any issues or challenges that may arise. “The liaison has a great deal of experience with the race and provides a unique understanding of the Ironman event and its impact on the community,” commented Borzilleri. “As a result they will be able to provide quick resolution to any questions or concerns that may present.” Residents and community members are encouraged to reach out to Ironman community liaison for assistance before and during the race via email at imlakeplacidcommunity@ironman.com or by phone at 813-738-9270. The public should expect road closures and associated traffic delays beginning at 6:25 a.m. that day. Traffic pattern changes and delays will impact Lake Placid and surrounding communities as some regional routes, and specific lanes along certain routes, are closed to automobile traffic. New York State Police traffic control, in collaboration with Ironman officials, remind those throughout the region about the local road closure schedule: Route 73 will experience south/eastbound road closures from Lake Placid to Keene, beginning at 5:00 am and concluding at 4:00 pm. Route 86 southbound to Lake Placid from Wilmington will be closed 7 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Bobrun Lane (Mt. Van Hoevenberg) will be closed in both directions from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Route 86 westbound from Jay to Wilmington will be closed 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Route 9N northbound from Keene to Jay will be closed 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Haselton Road will be closed in both directions from Bilhuber Road to the Black Brook town line from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Haselton Road, from Route 86 to Bilhuber Road, will be open for 2-way traffic in the northbound lane. Wilmington residents are requested to travel south only on Haselton Road between route 86 and Bilhuber Road to get in and out from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Traveling from Lake Placid to Keene is prohibited from 5 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ironman Community Hotline Contact the Ironman Lake Placid Community Liaison at imlakeplacidcommunity@ironman.com or 813-738-9270 for additional information about the event, to answer questions or for assistance before — or during — the race. Contact:Jane Hooper, communications managerRegional Office of Sustainable Tourism518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)jane@roostadk.com

2023 IRONMAN Dine Around Information We are preparing for Ironman, its athletes, officials, and spectators, to arrive in the Adirondacks! Ironman will once again be offering their traditional 'Dine Around' vouchers to race participants. Dine Around vouchers entitle the holder to $25 off of their purchase at participating restaurants. Who are the participating restaurants? The current Ironman Dine Around list is based on restaurants that participated last year. If we do not hear from you and you participated in 2022, you will be included again in 2023. If you do not want to be included this year, please contact catherine@roostadk.com. View the current list of Ironman Dine Around participating restaurants I don't see my name but want to be included. What do I have to do? Contact catherine@roostadk.com and let her know you would like to be included in the list of restaurants accepting vouchers! Please respond to be included or excluded no later than Wednesday, July 12th! How do the vouchers work? Where do I redeem them? Vouchers work like cash. No change given. $25 value. The instructions on the voucher read: "Please present this coupon to one of the participating restaurants listed on the back. Any amount above $25 is the holders responsibility. No cash back. Tax is included. Gratuity is not included." Participants may use vouchers between July 20 - 26. Once collected, restaurants must SAVE the voucher. You will only get paid for the vouchers you hand in. Vouchers should be handed in/or sent to: ROOST, ATTN: Kristin Strack, 2608 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946. Vouchers MUST be turned into ROOST no later than August 25th.