ESD: Nearly $15 million in Market New York funding awarded to support tourism statewide

Grants awarded through REDC initiative to 59 capital and working capital projects across state

√ Full list of REDC awardees to-date can be found here 

Empire State Development announced nearly $15 million has been awarded through the Market New York program to support 59 projects across New York through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

A press release noted, “Market New York funding supports tourism capital improvement projects and regionally themed marketing projects that promote travel destinations, attractions and special events. The program and projects supported through its funding align with each region's long-term strategic plans for economic growth. In total, nearly $122 million has been awarded through the Market New York program to assist over 640 regional tourism projects across the state.”

Projects awarded funding through Market New York Round 13 include:

•Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc. (Western New York) – $100,000 Working Capital Grant: Funding will support the development and implementation of Freedom's Footsteps, a destination marketing initiative designed to promote and generate economic activity in Buffalo's African American heritage sector. By sharing the previously untold stories of Buffalo’s African American heritage, the Freedom’s Footsteps initiative will inspire visitation to the area and overall region.

A full list of projects awarded through the REDC initiative can be found here.

"New York is home to countless unique and diverse attractions throughout the state that welcome visitors from around the world," said Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. "This year's Market New York awards will help to support new projects and promotional efforts that will further grow our tourism economy, support our communities, and promote world-class destinations."

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The tourism and hospitality industry is one of New York state's economic pillars, generating revenue and supporting jobs in communities from Niagara Falls to Montauk Point. Through the Market New York program, we continue to work together with our tourism partners to encourage greater visitation and catalyze new regional economic growth."

ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Market New York grants help bring tourism capital projects from concept to reality, and provide working capital to promote and encourage visitors to experience unique New York state attractions, activities and events. The program enables local and regional partners to complement and further amplify I LOVE NY's efforts promoting tourism throughout the entire state. The nearly 60 projects across the state awarded funding this year – representing so many different themes and interests – will show visitors and residents alike how easy it is to love New York."

The press release added, “The Market New York program provides flexibility for applicants to identify projects that will strengthen tourism and attract visitors to New York state by promoting destinations, attractions and special events. Particular consideration is given to projects that closely align with I LOVE NY areas of concentration, including showcasing New York's world-class destinations, spurring international tourism, promoting outdoor recreation, engaging the travel trade, focusing on niche tourism segments, and highlighting large scale special events like those related to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced record-breaking visitation and tourism spending in New York, with more than 291 million visitors generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending in 2022. Earlier this year, the governor announced more than $14 million in grants were awarded to 30 local and regional destination marketing organizations through the EDA Tourism Partner Sub-Awards Grant program. Additionally, Hochul has announced improvements to tourism infrastructure like state parks and airports, as well as I LOVE NY marketing efforts to encourage travel throughout New York.

Learn more about the CFA here. Learn more about the REDC at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.