NYSTIA and Airbnb partner to help guests roam the Empire State
The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) and Airbnb announced today the launch of a new partnership to promote travel within the Empire State, with a focus on local attractions, unique stays and experiences in seven New York State counties, highlighting the best each has to offer guests.
The partnership builds on NYSTIA’s ‘ROAM THE EMPIRE’ campaign and is a collaborative effort to support post-pandemic recovery in Dutchess County, Hamilton County, Otsego County, Schoharie County, Seneca County, Steuben County, Sullivan County and Wyoming County, and the many local shops, restaurants and workers in each who rely on the local tourism industry.
“We’re thrilled to work with NYSTIA and these seven New York counties to help inspire tourism and ensure that each county continues to benefit from the type of travel enabled by Airbnb.”
Kelly Fay, Public Policy Associate for Airbnb
The social media and email campaign will target potential travelers in the state and a landing page features a curated list of nearby stays, experiences, and local businesses to help travelers plan their future trips to these areas. With luscious green landscapes, picturesque lakes and mountain ranges and historic towns – these counties offer travelers the ability to discover the beauty of New York, oftentimes not far from their own backyard.
“We welcome Airbnb’s promotional support for New York State’s tourism industry and its recovery from the pandemic. By highlighting destinations from across the state’s many tourism regions they help to inform New Yorkers (and others) that world-class travel destinations of all kinds are easily accessed right here in their backyard.”
Bob Provost, President & CEO of the New York State Tourism Industry Association
Tourism is a crucial aspect of many economies in New York, many of which were greatly affected by the pandemic. According to NYSTIA, more than 300,000 New Yorkers lost tourism-related jobs during the pandemic. The ROAM THE EMPIRE cause campaign makes the point that travel within the state will help reemploy fellow New Yorkers, revitalize communities and small businesses and restore badly needed tax revenue. Travel within the state will help reemploy workers and help restore badly needed tax revenue. Airbnb has long recognized the importance of ensuring that New York’s counties benefit from travel on the platform and has proactively signed voluntary tax collection agreements with 34 of New York’s 62 counties to collect their local bed taxes, including six of the seven counties involved in this campaign.
“Roaming the Empire is a great way to spend quality vacation time making memories travelers will relish for years to come and Dutchess Tourism is proud to be able to be involved in this collaborative effort that supports the recovery of New York’s tourism industry. Airbnb provides unique stays that allow visitors to take that road less traveled and explore the many hidden gems of our state, especially in our more rural, bucolic areas where traditional hotel lodging is not an option.”
Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp
Home sharing has also provided important additional income for many New Yorkers during the pandemic. In fact, the Hudson Valley and Catskills are the top region for new Airbnb Host income, with new Airbnb Hosts with only one listing earning nearly $13 million between March 2020 and March 2021.*
“I’m thrilled to host guests from across the state and globe as they travel here to experience the natural beauty of our area. We’ve experienced firsthand how tourism can benefit both our family in the form of providing income along with stimulating the economy in our community as our guests visit the local restaurants, attractions and small businesses. Hosting unique listings on our property called The Sun Barn has allowed us to meet so many wonderful people and we’re excited that this campaign will encourage more travelers to come discover everything our region has to offer.”
Stephen Pellicano, Airbnb Host in Schoharie County
Partnering with NYSTIA is part of Airbnb’s work with governments and tourism agencies globally to support economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By working with destination marketing organizations, nonprofits and governments to support responsible and safe travel, Airbnb is helping communities harness these economic benefits for local citizens and small businesses.
*Based on internal data between March 11, 2020 and March 11, 2021.
About the New York State Tourism Industry Association
The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) advances economic growth, job creation, community revitalization, quality of life and pride of place by realizing the potential of New York State’s tourism industry and facilitating the success of its members.