The New York State Travel & Vacation Association (NYSTVA) presents the third statewide Rural Tourism Conference, "Harvesting Tourism Dollars From Creative Seeds", January 15-16, 2009, at the Holiday Inn, Batavia, NY.

Those of us who promote tourism or work in the tourism industry beyond the bright city lights face special issues as we try to capture those lucrative tourism dollars. This second annual NY Rural Tourism Conference is designed to help identify and address some of the rural tourism challenges.

WHAT IS RURAL TOURISM?
Many times, “rural” tourism evokes images of agricultural based activities such as farmers’ markets, fruit stands, harvest festivals, petting zoos and such. Rural tourism includes ag-related ventures, and much more. Rural tourism encompasses a wide range of business interests, and can be viewed as the economic impact generated by travel and activities outside of urban areas.

The shops and restaurants that line quaint village main streets are rural tourism.
The wineries of the Empire State are rural tourism.
The bed and breakfasts and fishing charters in eastern Long Island are rural tourism.
The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and horse racing in Saratoga Springs are rural tourism.
Hiking around Letchworth State Park is rural tourism.
The campers and kayakers in the Adirondacks are enjoying rural tourism.
Events such as OzFest, the Hill Cumorah Pageant, and the International Junior Carp Tournament are rural tourism.
The State’s scenic byways and waterways connect us to rural tourism experiences.
And yes, the corn maze and pumpkin patch at your neighbor’s farm are rural tourism.

ABOUT THE NY RURAL TOURISM CONFERENCE:
The conference registration fee includes all workshops - seminars, breaks, and meals for both days. Engaging workshops, a kick-off luncheon speaker, and networking opportunities will highlight the conference.

Plan to attend and learn some real strategies to getting tourism traffic. Please tell your tourism partners and constituents about this conference.

ABOUT NYSTVA, YOUR CONFERENCE HOST:
This conference is planned and hosted by the New York State Travel and Vacation Association. NYSTVA brings together a wide array of tourism industry interests to:
> Advocate government policies and programs
> Raise the level of professionalism within the industry
> To encourage the development of cooperative relationships and partnerships among its members
> And to raise consumer awareness and appreciation of travel and vacation opportunities in New York State.

Association website: www.nystva.org