TBEX is the largest conference and networking event for
travel bloggers, online travel journalists, new media content creators, travel
brands, and travel industry professionals.
“We are honored to be hosting TBEX North America in Steuben
County this September and look forward to having the opportunity to create a
positive and lasting impression of Corning and Finger Lakes Wine Country with
the world’s top travel influencers” said Kevin Costello, president of the
Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau.
The conference – drawing representatives from 150 travel
industry groups -- will include educational seminars and events at the Corning
Museum of Glass. The majority of the participants will be lodged in Steuben,
with others staying in Chemung, Schuyler, Yates, and Tioga counties. TBEX
attendees will have opportunities to explore the Finger Lakes Wine Country
through pre-conference experiences and events planned to showcase the assets of
the region.
The impact on local tourism is expected to be extensive.
Through social media and other connections, TBEX reached more than 1 billion
travel impressions across the world in 2017.
Current social media statistics have the region on track to meet or
exceed last year’s data.
Tourism continues to be a focus for economic development for
New York State. In 2016, New York State welcomed a record-breaking 239 million
visitors, generating an economic impact of $104.8 billion, a nearly 3 percent
increase compared to 2015.
“The TBEX conference is unlike any other meeting that has
come to Steuben,” said Laury Poland Ward, president of Finger Lakes Wine
Country. “This coming together of the world’s most well-respected travel
influencers will help to elevate Finger Lakes Wine Country as a top-of-mind
vacation destination by sharing their own stories of the region to their
audiences.”
Finger Lakes Wine Country and the Corning Museum of Glass
are the destination hosts, and Steuben County and Corning Enterprises are
presenting sponsors.
