BATH – The new year is looking
good for the travel and tourism industry in Steuben County, with anticipated
projects building on a solid year in 2023, according to Steuben County
Conference and Visitors Bureau President Kevin Peterson.
Peterson told the county Legislature Agriculture, Industry and Planning
(AIP) Committee more than 305,000 visitors stayed in
Steuben accommodations in 2023.
Those visitors brought $35.5 million into local
lodging, while 56 percent of those guests came from out of
state, he said.
Key regions for visitors were Corning, which drew 57 percent, and central
Steuben and Keuka Lake, noting 16 percent and 14 percent respectively.
The area showing the most marked growth in tourism was the State Route 36
Corridor which includes the City of Hornell, and the towns of Troupsburg,
Canisteo, Dansville and Arkport. The corridor boasted a significant jump in
tourists, jumping from 8 percent in 2022 up to 14 percent in 2023, according to
Peterson’s report.
Peterson credited the increase during the past year to its app, “Explore
Steuben,” with social and electronic media outreach, captivating content, and
targeted marketing efforts.
Collaborative endeavors with local businesses and community stakeholders have
strengthened local tourism while visitor feedback demonstrates a growing
interest in Steuben County, he told legislators.
New opportunities in 2024 include hosting the International Food Wine and
Travel Writers Association conference, Peterson said.
Other plans include installing digital visitor information kiosks to
enhance services, growing and supporting key events, launching a new
website, and working on exciting outdoor recreation development
projects, he reported.
The SCCVB, doing business as Explore Steuben, also is
working on a joint project with the county Legislature’s AIP Committee which
will award local efforts to boost tourism, he said.
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of travel trends, Explore Steuben is
poised to continue its dynamic role in shaping the county as a destination of
choice, fostering sustainable growth for years to come,” Peterson said.
