The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) announced that Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) won the award for “Most Significant COVID-Related Impact in Support of a Community and/or Local Businesses” at their annual Tourism Excellence Awards. This special award category was added to recognize the work done in crisis conditions during the 2020 pandemic year and was presented at a virtual gathering of destination marketing organizations and tourism-related businesses on May 6, 2021.

These awards were juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of NYSTIA. Nominations were up 250% vs 2019 and according to NYSTIA President Bob Provost, the judges were challenged by both the volume and the caliber of the entries. 

“Working collaboratively in New York State’s tourism community enables you to network with some of the best minds, most experienced individuals and trendsetting thought leaders in the global tourism industry,” said Provost. “The individuals, campaigns, initiatives and projects being honored are world-class. I am humbled by their achievements and service to their communities in 2020.”

“I am so very proud of the work done by our Dutchess Tourism team and all the partners who joined us to develop and execute multiple initiatives to support tourism-related and other businesses in our community,” said Dutchess Tourism President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp. “Dutchess Tourism is a trusted resource for businesses, residents, and visitors and our staff was determined to help all those impacted in the best way we knew how. Everything we do is in service to our community, and it means a lot to us to be recognized in such a meaningful way.”

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Since the start of this pandemic, we’ve seen the very best in Dutchess County – neighbor helping neighbor, colleague helping colleague – and Dutchess Tourism’s efforts to assist their local partners has been unparalleled. From extensive outreach to local businesses to the creation of campaigns to promote local restaurants and attractions, Dutchess Tourism played a key role in promoting many local businesses as they fought to stay open. Today’s recognition is well deserved, and we look forward to Dutchess Tourism’s continued success in telling the story of Dutchess County to visitors the world over.”

In response to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, DTI shifted its efforts to reach out to residents to support local businesses and met unprecedented health-related guidelines while still inspiring visitors to plan future travel. Key initiatives included: 

• “Dutchess Air Five” on National High 5 Day and “Dutchess Daydreamin’ Deals” campaigns aimed to inspire individuals to purchase gift cards, plan for future travel, leave positive reviews online for their favorite businesses, and shop online at county retailers. 
• Pivoted and expanded its annual Lunch & Learn series into a virtual format to provide free educational marketing seminars for struggling businesses, training nearly 350 business owners and staff.
• Staff contacted more than 300 county restaurants and 21 craft beverage producers to identify those offering takeout, delivery, and curbside service. DTI was the first group to publicize and regularly update those lists which were viewed more than 10,500 times on DutchessTourism.com. Similarly promoted Cornell Cooperative Extension’s regularly updated list of Farm Stands and Markets open for pick-up.
• Developed “Takeout Tuesday” and “Farm Stand Friday” social media campaigns in partnership with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Created “Mask Up Dutchess” public awareness campaign with the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business. 
• Joined 11 partners to form the Dutchess Business Notification Network, which sent regular e-blasts to area businesses and non-profits to keep up with ever-changing guidelines, information, resources, and support.
• DTI regularly sent updates to more than 1,100 tourism-related businesses in Dutchess to ensure partners had industry-specific information and advocacy opportunities.

Tourism is the third largest industry in New York State and is a major driving force in Dutchess County’s economy where visitors spent $674.2 million in 2019. 

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About Dutchess Tourism:
Dutchess Tourism, Inc., the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. As a 501c6 non-profit organization, it works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses and the community by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world. The office is located at 3 Neptune Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie with 17 Tourist Information Centers located around Dutchess County. The website is DutchessTourism.com and they can be reached at 845-463-4000. Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess. 

About New York State Tourism Industry Association:
The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) advances economic growth, job creation, community revitalization, quality of life and pride of place by realizing the potential of New York State's tourism industry and facilitating the success of its members. We serve New York State's tourism industry through collaborative initiatives, research, legislative awareness, and exceptional marketing. www.nystia.org