ROCK HILL –– Tourism and hospitality took center stage at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant (BHR) in Rock Hill on Friday morning, as the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) and the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSHTA) held a Legislative Networking Breakfast.

SCVA President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood told the packed room that the purpose of the breakfast was to talk about hospitality issues, how it impacts every person in the room, as well as its impact as an industry on a regional level and state level. She added that it was also to discuss what they need at the federal, state and local levels to “really make this entire synergy kick.”

Speakers and panelists included NYSHTA President Mark Dorr, Byron-Lockwood, SCVA Board of Directors Chair Eric Frances, U.S. Representative Marc Molinaro (NY-19), NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, as well as regional leaders of tourism agencies in Delaware, Greene and Ulster Counties, who along with Sullivan make up the State’s Catskill region. 

Topics included regional tourism funding programs, the NYS matching funds program, ADA website lawsuits, short-term rentals, predictive scheduling legislation, tourism improvement districts, workforce housing and various grant/tax credit programs.

Dorr, in summarizing legislative topics in their sector, reminded attendees that NYSHTA, which represents 1,000 members statewide, is their advocacy arm in Albany, and that they’re also venturing into partnerships in Washington D.C. He’d also reminisce on the best panini he’s ever had, which he said was made by BHR Owner Randy Resnick, as well as memories at the Old Catskill Game Farm.

Frances, who is the CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, said last summer was their busiest season yet and mentioned how the venue is competing with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy Museum in a current USA Today poll. Acknowledging the area’s recent growth, Frances said he doesn’t mind sitting in traffic for a few minutes or waiting for a table at a local restaurant, because of what it represents.

“I live on the top of a hill in Neversink about 15 miles from here,” he said. “I look out into this valley at night and I see lights that were never there before including the beautiful red blinking lights of Resorts World [Catskills]. So folks, I marvel at the power of tourism and what we have done in this room and what we have done to change where we live, where we work and for all the people that are shackled to their lives somewhere else that want to come here.”

Molinaro, a former Dutchess County Executive, talked about his time working with tourism leaders in that role, and how some view tourism as a “secondary industry.” He added that many times they do not get the attention and support they deserve, and that it isn’t secondary but the principal industry in the Catskill region.

“What I appreciate about tourism … is [that it’s] the story of us,” he said. “You help us in elected office, you help our communities tell and retell the story of our community. And why is that important? Because you’re inspiring those who already live here to remember what’s around us that we may invest in … you remind us how very special our communities are.”

Gunther praised Byron-Lockwood and all those in the room who’ve brought more people to Sullivan County. Both Gunther and Molinaro let attendees know they’d continue to advocate for tourism.

“We in the Catskills have a long and storied history in tourism. It is the backbone of our economy,” said Gunther. “The work that we do promotes and encourages people to come to our beautiful area and experience it. Our work is rewarding. It’s difficult, but mostly it helps people and the businesses of Sullivan County.”