While staff turnover remains a challenge, we continued to add quality people with diverse skillsets to the team in 2023.
On the social media/marketing side, for the first time, we counted our social media reach by the million with creative content and reaching out on new platforms. Our website traffic saw promising growth that shows true momentum for our marketing efforts headed into 2024.
In 2023 we leveraged state budget line item funding to support the next chapter of FLTA‘s story in the form of a new consumer brand, website and travel guide format t hat will better engage and explore the core motivations of Finger Lakes visitors.
Reasons to Celebrate 2023
New Publications
National Heritage Area Goes to Congress Organization/Region Featured in National Media
Welcoming New Partners
New Consumer Outreach Projects
Building the New FLTA Consumer Brand
Keuka Lake Branchport
Seneca Lake State Park Geneva, NY
Exciting Projects Realized in 2023
Expanding Publications and Marketing Campaigns
New Niche Publications
With the help of ESD CFA Grant Funding, FLTA will be putting out new brochures on the topics of NY State Parks, Outdoor Adventure, Winter Activities and Sustainable Tourism in the coming year.
The close of 2023 saw the publication of the winter activities digital brochure.
Trax Pub Cortland, NY
Exciting Projects Realized in 2023
Expanding Publications and Marketing Campaign
In partnership with the Roch Museum & Science Center, promoted the pending total with partners and prospecti all of 2023.
FLTA will have engaged in e worth of promotion for the e the April 8, 2024 eclipse dat
Partn April 8, 2024
Exciting Projects Realized in 2023
Expanding Publications and Marketing Campaigns
Inclusive in the Finger Lakes
Our first-ever Finger Lakes Pride and Family Travel Planner featured dozens of LGBTQ+ Friendly partner locations and their business views on inclusivity while underscoring the organization’s belief that no community should face prejudicial burdens in planning a vacation.
The planner was a free opportunity for partners in 2023 that we look forward to continuing in 2024.
Exciting Projects Realized in 2023
Expanding Publications and Marketing Campaigns
Informed Research
To better speak with consumers in 2024 and beyond, in 2023 FLTA began the process of conducting market research that would inform a new brand for visitors to connect with based on informed research conducted in partnership with Drive Research in Syracuse. The results will be shared with the full FLTA partnership at our first-ever Marketing Summit in March 2024.
Qualified, Competent Design
In building the new brand, FLTA is selected long time collaborator Glenn Clark and Crafting a Brand Co. for logo design and brand vision.
Smart Project Management
Business & Marketing Solutions specialists Archer ATR with Carrie Tschetter, President and Director of Business Development, as point person is acting as our rebranding project manager and MWBE certified consultant.
Building the Brand
Exciting Projects Realized in 2023
Expanding Publications and Marketing Campaigns
National Heritage Area
Feasibility study completed and printed.
Recommendations, from the Department of the Interior were sent to Congress in early summer.
Senate Kirsten Gillibrand introduced Senate Bill 2743 (Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act).
Rep Claudia Tenney introduced House Resolution 5954 (Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act)
Bills have been referred to their respective House and Senate Committees for action.
After passing Senate and the House of Representatives, bill awaits Presidential signature.
Year End 2023 Marketing Statistics
Marketing Our Corner of the World for Over 100 Years
Travel Guide Distribution
95,500 Copies Distributed +12,000 Digital Views
Group Travel Planner Insert
All Copies Distributed
Mini-Map Distribution
50,000 Copies
Web Ads
Unique Impressions (+17%)
Outbound Links (+27%)
Trip Referrals & Bookings Made Easy
Booking trips through the BookDirect widget at FingerLakes.org gives users the tools to make the most of their visit to the region, with the most comprehensive source for hospitality and attraction information on the web at their finger tips.
BookDirect is a potent way to convert potential visitors from the planning phase to booking, with a conversion rate of 86% in 2023
Welcome New Partners
In 2023, FLTAWelcomed 34 New Partners
Potters Farm to Fork
Wright’s Cottages on Waneta Lake
Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation
OnKeuka!
Colloca Estate Winery
The FoRx, LLC
The Benn Conger Inn
Monier Manor
Salt City Market
Elmira Downtown Development
Spa at Inns of Aurora
Center 4 the Arts, Homer
ChamberFest Canandaigua
Finger Lakes Yogascapes
Artizanns
Forge Cellars
Finger Lakes Rail Riders
Archer ATR
Iron Smoke Distillery
Smokin’ Tails Distillery
Living Roots Wine & Co.
Sutters Marina
Watson Woods Retreat Center
1890 House & Museum
Safahla Medical Spa
Hector Hideaway
Red Newt Cellars
Outlet 111
Ithaca Downtown Conference Center
NY Craft Brewers Association
Owego Donut & Beer Co.
Owego Home
Scrappy’s Workshop
NOTE: Organized By Date Joined
Growing Finger Lakes Fandom: Testimonials
The Finger Lakes is many vacations wrapped up in one location. Relaxation, food, wine, and outdoor adventures. What more could you ask for.
Cindy Barton
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
I like going to Autumn Mist Alpacas & Petting Farm when we are visiting Prattsburg. I always learnsomething new and there are usually new baby farm animals to see every time too-so cute!
Kathryn Dailey
Huntingtown, Maryland
We loved the small city vibe of Ithaca with its great restaurants, as well as the beautiful countryside, gorges, lakes, and charming small towns. The wineries were fantastic as were the breweries.
Wendy Childers
Coming Up Fast in 2024
Top Annual Priorities
New Networking Opportunities Offered
Partners are encouraged to take advantage of the addition of new partner events in 2024, including off-site committee meetings, two new summer networking events and newly added biannual marketing summits.
