Dutchess Tourism, Inc. will host a Tourism Trends Conference on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie. The event will feature expert insights on 2025 travel trends, the state of the tourism industry in Dutchess County, and key findings from a resident sentiment study. Following the conference, guests will join Dutchess Tourism in celebrating a milestone – 10 years as an independent nonprofit organization and a special announcement about what lies ahead for the organization.
“For the past decade, Dutchess Tourism has been dedicated to elevating and strengthening the county’s profile as a premier travel destination, supporting local businesses, and enhancing visitor experiences,” said Melaine Rottkamp, president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism. “This conference is an invaluable opportunity for our stakeholders to learn about the latest research, as well as state and local plans for the future, and see how residents are feeling about tourism in the county. We encourage everyone to join us as we continue to build a bridge to the future.”
The conference will feature Ross Levi, executive director of the New York State Division of Tourism/I Love New York, and Sarah Lehman, CEO of Zartico, a marketing technology company that applies advanced data science and proprietary technology to deliver innovative marketing performance solutions to the travel and entertainment industries. Kelsey Waite from Longwoods International will present the results of Dutchess Tourism’s resident sentiment study. Longwoods is a respected leader in strategic travel market research whose research is regularly cited by CNN, ABC, CNBC, MSNBC, Forbes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, and the Times of London.
Brandon Walker, chef/owner of Essie’s Restaurant in Poughkeepsie and chair of Dutchess Tourism’s board of directors, said, “Dutchess Tourism has evolved into a multi-award-winning organization dedicated to promoting the county as an incredible place to visit, live, work, play and invest. This anniversary is a testament to the collaboration and commitment of the staff, board of directors, tourism partners, and community. We invite everyone to celebrate this milestone with us.”
Dutchess County Tourism was established in 1984 as a part of the Dutchess County Economic Development Corp. When the DCEDC transitioned to the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business in 2015, Dutchess County Tourism became an independent 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, changing its name to Dutchess Tourism, Inc. As the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, Dutchess Tourism’s mission is to attract visitors, drive economic impact, and support local businesses through strategic marketing initiatives and tourism development all for the benefit of the community. In 2023, visitor spending in Dutchess County exceeded an average of $2 million per day, totaling $756 million for the year. The resulting sales tax revenue provided tax savings of $817 for each Dutchess County household.
Admission is $35 and includes conference access, networking opportunities and a celebratory toast and hors d’oeuvres. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact colleen@dutchesstourism.com for more information. For more details and to register, visit www.DutchessTourism.com/Tourism-Trends-Conference-2025.
