News
August 11, 2015The Adirondack Park Website and Mobile App Launched Recently to Promote Tourism in Upstate New York
New York State announced the launch of an interactive tool to promote tourism attractions, local businesses, recreational opportunities and events in Upstate New York. The second and final phase of the Adirondack Park Recreation Web Portal Project was completed by the North Country, Mohawk Valley and Capital Regions working together with funds awarded through Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
“The North Country, Mohawk Valley, and Capital Regions worked collaboratively to bring six million acres of Adirondack Park to our fingertips,” said ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “This new interactive guide for both locals and visitors to plan their next Adirondack trip is exactly what Upstate New York, and the local business communities need to continue growing the region’s economy.”
The Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages (AATV), Center for Economic Growth (CEG), and Central Adirondack Partnership for the 21st Century (CAP-21) partnered to provide a platform for users to plan a trip to the Adirondacks. Users can chose destinations and events located throughout the six million acres of Adirondack Park. Funding for the project was awarded by Empire State Development (ESD) through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, and additional funds provided by the Capital Region’s Center for Economic Growth.
The second phase and final launch of the project includes a new domain, DiscoverAdkPark.com, mobile app enhancements and upgrades, and incorporation of recreation-related maps. Recreational providers now have the ability to present their local goods and services online as well. The existing database has been upgraded for improved search results, comprehensiveness, and user-friendly navigation.
“CEG is a strong believer in collaboration as a means to leverage resources and accelerate development. The Adirondack Web Portal will be a valuable tool to promote tourism and highlight the tremendous assets of the park, which will contribute to the economic growth of surrounding regions. The Capital Region Economic Development Council and CEG have been eager partners in this project since its inception,” said Michael J. Hickey, interim President and CEO.
“The Adirondack Park Recreation Web Portal and app puts countless recreational opportunities of the Adirondack Park in the palm of every visitor’s hand. With upgraded features and functionality, Phase II of this project is another leap forward in providing an enhanced experience for every visitor to the Adirondack Park,” said Project Manager and Saranac Lake native Kimberly Finnigan, Esq.
One of the key focuses of the project has been collaborative outreach and data collection to ensure a more robust and comprehensive database. The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (ARTC) is overseeing the extensive data collection and mapping, and will facilitate the real-time flow of recreation information and data. ARTC will work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of Parks & Recreation, the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Trails and Lodging, The Great South Woods project, and the region’s County Tourism Promotion Agencies. Lake Placid-based digital marketing agency Adworkshop, is overseeing the mapping, development, and design of the website and app on behalf of the AATV and partnering organizations.
The portal includes 4,000 recreation and destination listings that are organized by a comprehensive vacation planning tool to help visitors discover the Adirondack Park’s recreation opportunities, lodging, dining, shopping and other attractions. The new launch will focus on connecting the mobile app with travelers in nearby geographic areas throughout the Northeast and Canada.
“This new launch will build on the success of the project’s first phase by promoting the diverse array of recreational opportunities within the Park and continuing to bring economic benefits to the many towns and villages throughout the Adirondacks,” said Adirondack Association of Towns & Villages President Brian Towers.
“The web portal and app will continue to increase the region’s profile and provide a valuable resource for those who want to come and take advantage of the many recreational resources in the Adirondacks. In the 21st century, having a strong mobile web presence is essential to marketing, and the Adirondack Web Portal will accomplish that,” said CAP-21 Executive Director Nicholas Rose.
The Adirondack Park Recreation Web Portal was identified as a regional priority project by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. The project supports key aspects of the strategic plans developed by the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and North Country Regional Economic Development Councils, including long-term investment, revitalization and sustainability of the regions. The portal adopts strategies developed by the Adirondack Partnership’s Adirondack Park Recreation Strategy Group (APRSG).
