New York State Parks sets agency 'Cyber Monday' record with $2 million in sales

More than 15,000 three-year Empire Passports sold

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced its two-day "Cyber Monday" promotion sold more than 15,000 three-year Empire Passports and generated more than $2 million. The deal featured the three-year Empire Passport available for the special price of $130. The discounted "Cyber Monday" price is equivalent to buying two years and getting the third year free.

"Park visitors showed their appreciation and love of parks by setting a 'Cyber Monday' record to take advantage of this fabulous deal," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey. "Whether it's the annual, three-year, five-year or the lifetime Empire Passport, they make a wonderful gift."

Due to overwhelming response Monday, State Parks extended the deal an additional day. The highest volume of hourly sales came Monday afternoon, when State Parks hit three consecutive hours with more than 1,000 three-year Empire Passports sold. This year's "Cyber Monday" deal eclipsed the 2012 "Cyber Monday" revenue record of $905,000 when State Parks sold more than 22,600 annual Empire Passports at $40 each in just one day. After the first day this year, sales for the three-year Empire Passport totaled more than $1.6 million.

State Parks introduced the three-year Empire Passport in January. It is normally sold for $165. A total of 1,731 three-year Empire Passports were sold in the past 11 months before the "Cyber Monday" deal became active. Empire Passports are available year-round in annual, three-year, five-year and lifetime options. For more information, visit http://nysparks.com/admission/empire-passport/default.aspx.

Valid through March 31, 2018, the three-year Empire Passport will provide holders unlimited vehicle access to all state parks, nature centers, recreation areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves, in addition to 55 forest preserve sites operated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation maintains and oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-486-1868 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.