By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul marked the onset of spring by unveiling the New York Blooms Report, a weekly guide aiding New Yorkers in spotting roses, lilacs, tulips, cherry blossoms, and magnolias across 30 partner attractions statewide. Managed by I LOVE NY, the reports aim to facilitate spring getaways, featuring insights from staff at botanical gardens, farms, State Parks, and historic sites.
Accessible on iloveny.com/blooms every Wednesday afternoon until June, these reports signal the commencement of spring tourism in New York, reinforcing Governor Hochul's commitment to bolstering the state's $123 billion tourism industry.
The New York Blooms Reports, aggregating data from arborists, gardeners, and caretakers at over 30 sites across the state's 11 vacation regions, will track the blooming stages from "no activity yet" to "full bloom" to "past peak/done blooming." Partner sites will contribute photos and details about unique flowers and springtime events, promoting travel opportunities, from prominent festivals like the Rochester Lilac Festival to smaller garden exhibitions. The initiative aims to drive tourism, supporting local economies and fostering regional growth.
Moreover, the New York Blooms Report will be amplified through digital and social media campaigns showcasing scenic spring blooms. Travelers are encouraged to share their New York flower photos using the #NYBloomsReport hashtag for a chance to be featured on I LOVE NY's official platforms, reaching over two million followers across various social media channels.
Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development (ESD), highlighted the Blooms Report as a tool to spur spring getaways, emphasizing tourism's role in sustaining local businesses and job opportunities. Ross D. Levi, ESD Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism, emphasized the report's utility in planning spring excursions, inviting visitors to explore diverse floral attractions and seasonal festivities statewide.
In parallel, New York State Parks and Historic Sites offer many seasonal activities, from themed hikes to maple sugaring demonstrations. Celebrating its Centennial in 2024, New York State Parks encourages visitors to partake in the Centennial Challenge, completing outdoor activities for a chance to win prizes while exploring the state's natural beauty.
Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons invited New Yorkers to discover the diverse offerings of state parks throughout the year, highlighting the affordability and recreational value they provide.
Governor Hochul's recent announcement of record-breaking tourism figures underscores the state's appeal to visitors, with initiatives like I LOVE NY marketing campaigns and substantial investments in tourism-related projects furthering this momentum, reinforcing New York's status as a premier travel destination.
Photo Credit: istock-herreid
Categories: New York, Weather