Kingston, N.Y. (July 8, 2013) – Catskill Association for Tourism Services (CATS), an alliance of Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster counties committed to the promotion of amenities available to tourists of the region, has named Focus Media their agency of record.
CATS, emulating New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s latest initiative to increase tourism in the state, will work closely with Focus Media to direct the association’s marketing efforts, including advertising, public relations, publishing, creative direction and more.
“Focus Media has a proven record of success within the tourism industry, and we are looking forward to seeing all that our organizations can accomplish together,” said Richard J. Remsnyder, CATS President and Director of Ulster County Tourism. “Our goal is to share the treasures of our region with potential tourists across the world and we will achieve it, now that we have invested our trust in Focus Media.”
The Catskills region has a $1 billion annual tourism industry, with tourism responsible for about 15 percent of total employment. It also generated about $127 million in state and local taxes in 2011, and an estimated $64 million in local sales, property and hotel bed tax revenue. The highest expenditures for tourists are typically lodging, retail, second homes and food and beverage.
CATS was formed to promote the natural beauty, history, adventurous spirit and excitement of its mountainous region as well as to showcase attractions, activities and events within it.
The Catskills is one of 11 designated vacation regions promoted through New York State’s I LOVE NEW YORK brand. CATS is a Regional Promotion Agency that enhances the marketing efforts of the four TPAs within the Catskills as part of the New York State Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Matching Funds Program, which provides matching funds to individual TPAs for the planning and promotion of marketing programs designed to stimulate and increase the economic impact of tourism for New York State.
About Catskill Regional Tourism Association (CATS)
Catskill Regional Tourism Association promotes the wide range of vacation and recreational opportunities in the Catskills region. The region has a billion dollar tourism industry, with tourism responsible for about 15 percent of total employment. The Catskills is known for its mountainous landscapes, history, sense of adventure and proximity to major cities like New York, Boston and Philadelphia. The Catskills region includes Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster counties.
