Results of Study on Travel in the Finger Lakes Released

(Penn Yan, N.Y.) - Longer visits and increased numbers of travelers resulting in millions of dollars in economic benefits are just some of the findings of a regional marketing study commissioned by Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (FLTA) and the 14-county Tourism Promotion Agencies in the Finger Lakes region.

Conducted by Randall Travel Marketing of Mooresville, N.C., who provided a similar broad-based study in 2001 which resulted in major changes for FLTA and its partners, the research included mail and intercept surveys of visitors, lodging properties as well as attractions in the region. The study concluded that in addition to being better educated and having a higher annual income than in the past, visitors are making their travel decisions more rapidly than ever before - 75% within one month of visiting and of that group, 30% within one week.

Data from a 2005 Oxford Economics study commissioned by the State of New York reported total tourism expenditures in the Finger Lakes region by visitors is $2.2 billion - providing close to $400 per household in tax relief.

"We know that tourism drives millions in economic benefits to the region," FLTA President Mike Rusinko said. "Recommendations from this report will become the roadmap for FLTA and its partners in the coming days, weeks and months. We are already moving toward even more technologically-based information delivery systems and will continue to work with our partners to provide the best visitor experience possible."

The information gathered also showed that the majority of visitors are using the FLTA website and Travel Guide when deciding where to eat, stay and shop. This data led to a strong recommendation that FLTA focus even more attention on technology and the rapid delivery of information. Among the recommendations of the Randall were requests for more fine dining and shopping options in the region.

"In addition to the positive economic impact that tourism provides to all households in the region, one of the most gratifying pieces of data from the report stated that the top three things people like most about the Finger Lakes are the scenic beauty, wineries and the friendly people," Rusinko said. "For those of us who live here, we know those three are truly our greatest assets."

For more information, contact FLTA at 800-530-7488.