The COVID-19 Pandemic has done more damage to tourism than any other industry in NYS. Spending on travel in NYS has gone down by a jaw-dropping 72%, a decline of over $50 billion. Leisure/hospitality industry employment has decreased by 48% since February 2020. NYS residents are hurting, local businesses are suffering, and state/local tax revenues have taken a major hit. Stewart’s Shops and the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) have teamed up to assist in the recovery of New York’s tourism industry in 2021.
If you think partnering between Stewart’s Shops and the New York State Tourism Industry is an unlikely partnership – think again! “From the tourism perspective, Stewart’s Shops is upstate New York’s #1 operator of welcome centers,” says Bob Provost, President of NYSTIA. “Most upstate tourists travel by car and Stewart’s Shops offers travelers convenience, comfort, cleanliness, quality products, and hospitality. Stewart’s Shops help make the journey easier. They are an essential part of the tourism success formula.”
The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), works with destinations across New York State to help optimize visitor experiences and outcomes. NYSTIA serves the tourism industry in NYS through collaborative initiatives, research, legislative awareness, and education. Tourism is New York State’s third-largest industry, and tourism plays a vital economic role in stimulating small business success, job creation, community renewal, and enhanced pride of place in our state.
Ultimately, though, the objective of tourism growth is to improve the standard of living and quality of life for New York State residents. Both Stewart’s Shops and NYSTIA care about the mental health of NYS residents. In these unprecedented pandemic times, Americans have shown the lowest levels of happiness in the last 50 years. Research has also shown that contemplating future travel has significant mental health benefits, alleviates stress and anxiety, and generates happiness! Planning a trip in NY when the time is right, and you feel comfortable can be just the thing that you need! Planning safe travel promotes positivity, especially during times like these.
FACT:
97% of people say having a scheduled trip planned makes them happier
Not sure where to go? Here are some ideas for travel in New York:
Empire State Trail
Plan your trip around the Empire State Trail! Whether your hiking, biking, paddling or peddling you have to visit the 750-mile Empire State Trail that connects the entire state. The Trail welcomes bicyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities to experience the Empire State’s urban centers, village main streets, rural communities, and diverse history, from New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.
LEGOLAND
This New York Resort, opening in 2021, will be the largest LEGOLAND ever built by Merlin Entertainments, with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions on 150 acres in Goshen. The resort will also feature a 250-room LEGOLAND Hotel. This is fun for the whole family!
Trip to the Adirondacks
Skiing, mountain biking, hiking, the 6 million-acre outdoor playground has so much to uncover and explore. A trip to the mountains is just what the doctor ordered.
Fingerlakes Wine Tour
Canandaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca are the four lakes that house the majority of the award-winning Finger Lakes wine trails. Visit them to experience wine tasting at a whole new level.
And we’re always looking forward to the fall for some Apple Picking!
You can’t enjoy fall in New York without a trip to an upstate apple orchard. So, grab that cozy sweater and go pick some McIntosh, Granny Smith, Gala, Empire and Golden Delicious apples. And when you bake that pie, save a piece for us!
Let Stewart’s be a part of Your Trip – We Make Your Journeys Easier
Spring is almost here, don’t wait to book that summer vacation! And if you haven’t booked your trip by May, National Tourism Week is May 2nd through May 8th will remind you to make those plans! Stewart’s be your one-stop shop when you decide the time is right. Located in 29 counties, Stewart’s Shops has the ability to fuel your trip with all your travel essentials.
- Fuel– Whether you are snowmobiling in the Adirondacks or boating on Lake George, our 91 Premium Non-Ethanol gasoline will provide better performance and safer operations for your small engine needs.
- Coffee– Stewart’s infamous Hot, Iced or Cold Brew coffee will power you through on that long road trip!
- Grocery– In each shop, you will find over 3,000 different items. Short on time? Skip the supermarket aisles and get exactly what you need conveniently and quickly.
- Snacks– Day at the beach or on the boat? Quick, easy, delicious snacks are sold at the closest Stewart’s Shop to your location.
- Beverages– There are more than 100 ways to get Un-Thirsty at Stewart’s Shops including Stewart’s Refreshers. These refreshers are coded in days not months. Why pay 50% more when fresh tastes better?
- Firewood– Yes, New York can get chilly. Stay warm with pre-cut firewood that is available in easy to carry bags.
Travel New York and find a shop near your destination. Your destination is our location!