Experience Cortland, the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, has been honored with a Tourism Excellence Award for the “Spirit of Cortland” video series produced during the COVID pandemic. Destination marketing organizations, museums, attractions, and other tourism related businesses gathered virtually at 11:30 AM on Thursday, May 6 to honor the efforts of their peers. The 2021 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards acknowledge the work done in crisis conditions during the 2020 pandemic year.
COVID-19 presented a disproportionate challenge to the tourism industry. Tourism related or dependent businesses were among the most adversely affected due to COVID regulations and restrictions. Large meetings and events were canceled, and many venues were closed or subject to severe capacity restrictions. Tourism industry professionals redirected their efforts in new directions, supporting local residents and sustaining local businesses, while rising to the occasion to meet unprecedented health related guidelines and special needs for travelers.
The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Nominations were up 250% vs 2019 and 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.” states Bob Provost, President of the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). “The individuals, campaigns, initiatives and projects being honored are world-class. I am humbled by their achievements and service to their communities in 2020.”
Experience Cortland was honored with the Excellence in Tourism Marketing: Best Use of Digital Tools To Keep Tourism Top-of-Mind for the five-video series “Spirit of Cortland” which aired over the course of National Travel and Tourism Week in May 2020.
“I am honored and thrilled to have accepted the 2021 Tourism Excellence Award for our Spirit of Cortland video series," said Meghan Lawton, Executive Director of the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We were well into the early stages of the COVID pandemic last year when my staff created the idea for this video series in order to recognize the efforts of our local tourism community. We were thrilled with the response to the videos across our social media platform and appreciate this state-wide recognition of the work that we did.”
Spirit of Cortland: Episode 1
Delivery dinosaurs are dancing across Cortland County, inspirational images across the county, an Experience Cortland Live Session by Stiv Morgan and a special National Travel & Tourism Week giveaway!
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Spirit of Cortland: Episode 2
Trinity Valley Dairy brings the milkman back to the local area, how to satisfy your taste buds while safely practicing social distancing and a virtual performance by Marc Ryan.
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Spirit of Cortland: Episode 3
A virtual shopping experience with Willow Lane Farmhouse, how to get your shopping fix while social distancing, a virtual performance by the Ridgeline Duo and ways to keep the kiddos (and adults) entertained that doesn't involve Netflix!
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Spirit of Cortland: Episode 4
Take a (virtual) tour of the Cortland County Historical Society with us, a sneak peak inside the future Cortland County Visitors Center and enjoy the sounds of Molly Andrejko with a virtual musical performance.
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Spirit of Cortland: Episode 5
See what else Cortland Beer Company is making besides beer and spirits these days, get an update on the future Homer Hops Brewing tasting room, find ways you can way to toast to National Travel & Tourism Week, and Chris Merkley wraps up the Experience Cortland Live Sessions with an original piece.
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
The Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s purpose is to enhance the general economy of Cortland County, its cities, towns and villages, through promotion of tourist activities, conventions, trade shows, special events and other directly related and supporting activities.
The CVB office is located at 42 Main Street, Cortland, NY. For more information on the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, please call 607-753-8463, email info@experiencecortland.com, visit us on the web at www.experiencecortland.com, or follow us on our social media channels @experiencecortland.
Share your Cortland County adventures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.