Revitalization in Riverhead: Atlantis Marine World

TPA Times
news from
December 2010
INSIDE...
Matching Funds
Grantees
to be notified
December 23
page 2
•
New York State
Represented at
NTA Convention
in Montreal
page 2
•
Slight Autumn
Slowdown for
New York State
Hotels
page 2
•
Social Media Update
page 3
•
In Your Own Words
page 3
Eric Scheffel
Media Coordinator
NYS Division of Tourism
518/292-5274
escheffel@empire.state.ny.us
R E S T O R E
N E W
Y O R K
S P O T L I G H T
Revitalization in Riverhead:
Atlantis Marine World
Administered by Empire State Development, the Restore New York program is designed to
revitalize commercial and residential property; attract residents and business; and increase
tax bases, making communities economically viable. Each month the TPA Times spotlights a
tourism development project partially funded by the Restore New York program.
Long Island’s “full-scale Aquarium” is
getting made over thanks to Restore
New York. Located on Main Street in
Riverhead, Atlantis Marine World is
themed around the “Lost City of Atlantis,”
and blends science and nature with myth
to create an informative and entertaining
environment for visitors of all ages.
Guests to Atlantis Marine World discover
a rich variety of experiences, from
fascinating marine life exhibits to Aquatic
Adventures and educational programs.
Expansion underway at Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead.
The aquarium is also home to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and
Preservation (RFMRP), New York State’s only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle
rescue and rehabilitation center. RFMRP rescues and rehabilitates many species of seals, sea
turtles and dolphins at this unique facility, an important scientific and educational highlight
in the State of New York.
The $24 million Atlantis Marine World project, which includes $2.4 million in Restore NY
funds, includes enhancement of the existing aquarium to a 6.5 acre site, located within a
New York State Empire Zone, adding
approximately 140 permanent employees
and 150 construction jobs for approximately
12-18 months. Aquarium affiliated businesses
(marina, restaurant) project the creation of an
additional 20 jobs. These improvements are
aimed at eliminating blight and revitalizing
this magnificent waterfront gateway to better
attract visitors (projected to increase 20
percent to 480,000 per year) from the tri-state
Lost City of Atlantis SharkShark Exhibit.
area and beyond.
The project scope also encompasses demolition, reconstruction and expansion of anchor
buildings in Riverhead’s downtown. It included the reconstruction of two demolished under
utilized properties into a five-story, 100-room Hyatt Place hotel and the addition of a two
story changing exhibit gallery (including a ‘Butterflies of the World exhibit) and expanding
on their existing catering business with a new banquet center.
For more information on Restore NY, please contact Diane Kinnicutt at
dkinnicutt@empire.state.ny.us
Matching Funds
Grantees to be
Notified Dec. 23
Friday, November 19 marked the deadline for
TPAs to submit Part 2 of their matching funds
applications. Part 2 required prospective
grantees to describe how they will use their
grants on tourism marketing practices that
are in accordance with the annual program
guidelines.
TPAs were also asked to submit such things
as Top Attractions, events, Green Assets and
more, that will be used for future program
development by the Division of Tourism.
The Division of Tourism is scheduled to
notify successful grantees of their grant on
December 23, 2010.
For more information on Matching Funds,
please contact Diane Kinnicutt at
dkinnicutt@empire.state.ny.us
NYS Represented at NTA
Convention in Montreal
This year, the Division of Tourism and NYS TPA Council have
partnered to represent the State’s tourism industry at major
Motorcoach/Group Travel Shows.
Represented by Rita Mallery, past Motorcoach/Group Travel
Director for I LOVE NEW YORK, New York State recently
returned from a very successful National Tour Association
(NTA) convention held in Montreal, Nov. 13-18. Approximately
40 ten-minute appointments were conducted with tour
operators representing a broad spectrum of all of North
America.
Many business opportunities were noted in our sales leads as
reflected by tour operator requests. Interest was very high in
New York State and its 11 tourism regions. The reception by
tour operators of New York State’s presence was remarkable,
resulting in many positive comments.
The Division of Tourism is thrilled to be able to bring Rita out
of retirement to represent I LOVE NEW YORK at trade shows in
this important market and would like to thank the TPA Council
and Gordon Lattey for their work in making it happen. It has
been a very productive partnership that demonstrates what can
be accomplished during these difficult economic times.
For more information, please contact Diane Kinnicutt at
dkinnicutt@empire.state.ny.us
Slight Autumn Slowdown for New York State Hotels
Average hotel occupancy levels fell slightly across New York
State between September and October (-0.2%), though most
areas of the state continued to show strong growth over
October 2009. The month-on-month decline was primarily
seen in Upstate areas, though New York City was also
affected. Although Upstate areas saw much higher dips than
New York City, the size of the NYC market was the largest
factor driving the statewide decline. Outside of New York
City, the State’s average occupancy rate grew by one-half
percent over September.
For more information, please contact David Landau at
dlandau@empire.state.ny.us
TPA Times | 2 | December 2010
I N
Y O U R
O W N
W O R D S
Creating a Destination unto Itself: How Creativity
Inspires Travelers in Any Economy
Nestled amongst the picturesque Catskill Mountains in the
historic village of Roxbury, the Roxbury Motel’s whimsical, turn-on
retro motor lodge has become a trip in and of itself, attracting
visitors from around the world to its playful, contemporary casual
mountain digs. “In creating The Roxbury several years ago,
we challenged ourselves to create an indoor experience... that
resonates with the high drama and ’oooh’ factor of the spectacular
Catskill landscape all around us,” said Joe Massa, co-owner. The
Roxbury started with ten motel rooms and a two bedroom suite
in the main house. In 2008, they expanded with an attached wing,
spa and outdoor lounge area. In October, they doubled their space
with a new building across the street.
The 8,000-square foot expansion will zero in on what The Roxbury does best and guests have clamored for: larger
suites to accommodate families and groups and intimate studios
for twosomes. Elements of the new building include: Five new
410-square foot ‘big king theme rooms’ inspired by the world of
television and cinema; four new 700-square feet two bedroom,
two bathroom, two-story lofted theme suites; a 1,500-square foot
expansion of The Shimmer Spa with two treatment rooms, a
relaxation room and library, and a large steam room; and a new
meeting room for small conferences.
The Roxbury’s ultimate labor love: Amadeus’ Bride’s Room.
The expansion adds 45 more tourists per night (at 100%
occupancy) to the existing occupancy, almost doubling its
capacity. Five new employees have been hired. It is projected
that, over a seven-year period, economic benefits from the project could total more than $1 million (more than $280,000 per
job created).
The Roxbury was awarded a grant from the Upstate Regional Blueprint
Fund grant, administered by Empire State Development. The owners
worked with Kevin McLaughlin and Robin Alpaugh of ESD’s Binghamton
regional office.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The Roxbury has garnered media coverage by outlets such as NBC’s Today
Show, CNN, Fox News, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler,
and Conde Nast Traveler, and was chosen as a top ten hotel in the United
States in the Best Service categories by TripAdvisor® in both its 2009 and
2010 Travelers’ Choice® awards.
CURRENT FANS & FOLLOWERS
42,408
89,505
Patty Cullen, Director of Tourism
Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
TPA Times | 3 | December 2010