TORONTO — New York State Division of Tourism and nine state tourism suppliers held a cocktail reception, presentation and mini-trade show at the University Club in Toronto this week for assembled travel trade and media.

New York State tourism representatives showcased the diverse range of activities and attractions available to visitors including Finger Lake wineries, 1000 Island scenic cruises, zip lining in the Adirondacks, National Museum of Play, the state’s largest shopping complex Destiny USA in to the new Haunted History Trail of New York State.

Markly Wilson, Director of International Marketing for New York State Division of Tourism told Travelweek they have allocated even more resources and budget to the Canadian market than ever before and earlier this year for the first time hired a representative Paula Savage based in Rochester to specifically handle the Canadian market.

“Canada is our number one source of visitors and we will be increasing our visibility and connecting more with travel agents and tour operators,” said Wilson.  Families, sports and outdoor enthusiasts and shoppers will be targeted more in marketing efforts, he added.

Some tourism partners expressed concern about the falling Canadian dollar. A new program called, ‘A Welcome Surprise’, made up of various attractions and experiences such as Corning Museum of Glass, are offering special discounts for Canadians to offset the exchange rate.

New York State Tourism suppliers in attendance included: 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Lake Placid CVB/Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), Greater Niagara Country Byways, Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Visit Rochester, Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau, Haunted History Trail and A Welcome Surprise.

For further information on New York State see iloveny.com.