“This summer has to make up for everything we went through this past year,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
As a first step toward improving the state’s economy, Cuomo announced that the New York State Fair will open at full capacity and run for 18 days, its longest run yet.
“Everything will be open at the New York State Fair, all the buildings, all the events," said Cuomo. "It will be the great New York State we are all so proud of."
The fair brings in 1.3 million people from New York and beyond. It’s estimated to generate $100 million a year in economic activity.
What You Need To Know
- Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced New York will open at 100% capacity, and the state fair will run for 18 days, from August 20 to September 6
- The fair brings in 1.3 million visitors from 28 states and six countries
- The state is also investing $40 million to promote tourism in the state
“We want to lean into this, we want to be aggressive about it," said Cuomo. "We want advertise it. We want to push it. We’re coming back in a big way. Get your vaccination, but enjoy the state of New York."
Cuomo also announced the state is investing $40 million in the “I Love New York” campaign to increase international-based tourism.
Ads will highlight attractions across Upstate New York, such as Niagara Falls State Park, the Sarataga Race Course and Boldt Castle.
“It’s probably the quickest way to jump-start and reinvigorate our economy, by getting that tourism industry up and running,” said Cuomo.
Before the pandemic, tourism hit a record high in 2019, with 265.5 million visitors generating $117 billion in economic impact.