Southwestern New York State Economic Plan

About

Engagement

Background & SWOT

Action Plan

Evaluation

Conclusion

Data Visuals

Full PDF Plan

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  Business Focus: Destinations & Tourism

OBJECTIVE 1
Improve Infrastructure to Support Tourism

​The region’s aging infrastructure hampers efforts to increase its visitor industry. Infrastructure improvements should be prioritized to support the efforts of tourism departments across the region.

Action Items

• Improve internet access and cellular service
• Create more public transit offerings
• Create more bicycle lanes, scooter and bicycle rental facilities
• Increase signage to promote destinations and provide directions
• Invest in health care and EMS services as ​infrastructure necessary for tourism

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OBJECTIVE 2
Identify New Marketing Strategies and Target Audiences and Market the Region Collaboratively ​​

Action Items

• Network regularly among region's chambers of commerce
• Create coupon books collaboratively among destinations in a region
• Start a mobile marketing trailer that can attend events and distribute information
• Leverage the region's strengths: proximity to higher education, affordability, the outdoor experiences available, the short distance to larger cities
• Engage the banking and realty community in supporting and marketing our region's outdoor recreation opportunities

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OBJECTIVE 3
Leverage the Strength of the Region's Waterways and Trail System and Continue Developing It

Action Items

• Install signage at all water entry sites
• Create even more themed trails – wine, golf, motorcycles, haunts, botanical, Amish, fishing, outdoor sports
• Use social media to create social groups for themed trails
• Utilize QR codes more often in our marketing and use them for storytelling on the trails
• Create a regional combined trail map, and utilize our local artist community in mapmaking to enhance uniqueness and sense of place
• Encourage expansion of program offerings for ecotourism including bird watching, plant identification walks, and other educational programs