The Sullivan Catskills region in New York State has always been a tourism gem, but now it is starting to gain well-deserved recognition, once again, thanks to a recent resurgence in tourism. With its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage, the Sullivan Catskills offers something for everyone.

To spread awareness about this beautiful destination, the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) has been actively reaching out to new markets. One of the ways they do this is by attending trade and consumer shows, where they showcase all that the region has to offer. These events provide a great opportunity for potential visitors to learn more about the Sullivan Catskills and plan their trip accordingly.

But the team doesn’t stop there - they are always looking for new opportunities to showcase the region and attract even more visitors. Recently, they attended the American Bus Association in Nashville, Tennessee, where they met with over 70 tour operators. In mid-February, they will be traveling to New York City for Connect, a Business-to-Business marketing place that brings together over 100 meeting planners.

The SCVA also recognizes the importance of reaching out to consumers directly. That’s why they recently attended a consumer golf show in New Jersey and even set up a booth at the Adventure Travel Show at the Javits Center in NYC, where they were able to reach over 30,000 potential visitors.

In addition to trade and consumer shows, the SCVA also hosts travel writers and influencers, inviting them to experience the region first-hand. By doing so, they can generate valuable press coverage and social media buzz, helping to further spread the word about the Sullivan Catskills.

In January, Perri Blumberg, a renowned travel writer for various publications including Wallstreet Journal, Ground News, and New York Post, visited Sullivan Catskills. Her featured article on the destination was published in both the New York Post and Fox News, reaching a staggering 1,877,000,000 readers with a media value of $17,362,250. Perri’s passion for Sullivan Catskills is evident, as she produced over 10 featured articles on the destination in 2023 alone. These articles reached an impressive total of 5,415,058,007 readers and had a media value of over $19,000,000. Additionally, travel influencer Stephanie Leigh’s posts reached 5,500 new potential visitors. These collaborations have greatly contributed to the growing interest in Sullivan Catskills.

Other January highlights included the unveiling of a new Dove at the Catskill Domes, which brought attention to the ongoing popular SCVA Dove trail, one of the many unique attractions in Sullivan Catskills. The SCVA team has also been actively developing content from local businesses to strengthen the destination’s businesses, lodgings, and attractions social and digital presence, which has resulted in an increased interest, engagement, and followers on all social media platforms. Moreover, the SCVA is developing our new website which will soon be launched, allowing for a more interactive web presence that will attract even more visitors. Finally, the SCVA’s new updated Go! App welcomed 224 new downloads.

But the Sullivan Catskills are not just for tourists. The Association’s efforts have also caught the attention of movie producers looking for film locations.

In addition to promoting the region, the SCVA also plays a key role in sponsoring events throughout the year. These events not only bring in visitors from near and far, but also showcase the unique culture and spirit of the Sullivan Catskills.

Looking ahead, the SCVA has a lot planned for the upcoming months. On March 9th, we will be participating in the Spring Marketplace featuring local vendors at Liberty Mall and tickets for Catskill Cuisine 2024, May 10-12 will go on sale in February. Additionally, Father’s Day, visitors can enjoy Kansas City BBQ in partnership with the Liberty Chamber for a BBQ food competition. There are also more consumer shows and membership programming lined up for the future.

All of these efforts by the SCVA are helping to put the Sullivan Catskills on the map as a must-visit destination. With new markets being reached and partnerships being formed, the region is sure to see continued growth and success in the tourism industry.