KINGSTON, N.Y. (Feb. 5, 2013) — Ulster County Executive Mike Hein has announced that County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder has been elected president of the Catskill Association for Tourism Services (CATS).
The organization promotes the wide range of vacation and recreational opportunities in the Catskills region, bringing together various entities to strengthen the tourism industry overall. Remsnyder, who assumed the post January 1, will serve as president for the next two years.
“I am proud to announce that Mr. Remsnyder will assume this very important role in our regional tourism industry,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “In response to the regional tourism competitive funding opportunities outlined by Governor Cuomo, the Catskill Region, which has great tourism assets and destinations, will now be poised to launch professional, polished and data driven marketing and promotion under the leadership of Rick Remsnyder and his knowledgeable staff. I know that he will do an outstanding job in leading CATS while representing Ulster County Tourism bringing mutually shared success to all the Catskills properties.”
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. Ulster County represents 44 percent of the region’s total tourism sales.
“It’s an honor to serve with CATS and take on the leadership role of president with this organization,” said Remsnyder. “I look forward to working with the terrific group of individuals and organizations affiliated with the association to broaden the tourism scope and attract more visitors to the region.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo mentioned the Catskills in his recent State of the State address, calling the region a state “treasure” and encouraging officials to continue to promote it across the globe. “We have the greatest attractions in the country; let’s market them properly and generate more tourism throughout the state,” Gov. Cuomo said in his speech.
The Catskills region includes Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster counties. For more on Ulster County Tourism, visit http://www.ulstercountyalive.com.
