Senator Marcellino Hosts Tourism Roundtable

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset) today joined Senator Mary Lou Rath (R-C, Amherst) and Assemblyman Joseph Morelle (D, Irondequoit), in hosting a Tourism Roundtable at the Huntington Hilton. The panel consisted of various participants in the tourism industry, including those involved in the arts, heritage tourism, tourism promotion agencies, local chambers of commerce, state officials, and others who play a role in attracting and catering to visitors. The roundtables will enable the Assembly and Senate to assess the status of tourism activity in specific regions of the state in order to develop initiatives that may help the region and state expand their tourism economies.

"Long Island is one of New York's leading tourist destinations," said Senator Marcellino. "From the Gold Coast Mansions on the North Shore to the Montauk Light House, Long Island attracts over 20 million visitors each year. Together with my colleagues Senator Rath and Assemblyman Morelle we can find answers that will help us reinvigorate the local tourism economy in our communities."

"Tourism, New York’s second-largest industry, has a positive impact from New York City to Niagara Falls," said Senator Rath. "My goal with these roundtables is to discuss with local tourism professionals how we can continue to partner to maximize the promotional efforts necessary to draw and retain tourist dollars. I commend Senator Marcellino for all the work he has done to bolster tourism activities in this region and the entire state, and thank him for hosting today’s roundtable."

The tourism sector is a major part of New York’s economy, attracting more than 55 million visitors from outside state borders who spend their money at New York’s restaurants, hotels and attractions. By generating some $37 billion dollars in economic activity, and employing hundreds of thousands of people, tourism represents the second largest industry in New York State. The industry also maintains a vibrant cultural fabric that not only provides citizens with education and entertainment, but also aids in attracting businesses to relocate or emerge in New York State.

Among those attending were Paul DeOrsay, Executive Director, Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor, Beth Levinthal, Executive Director, Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, R. Moke McGowan, President, Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, Paul Monte, Gurney’s Inn Resort & Spa in Montauk, Andrew Parton, Vice President of Marketing, Cradle of Aviation Museums at Mitchell Field, Steve Bate, Executive Director, L.I. Wine Council and Dan Murphy, President, NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association.