January 9, 2006
by Dylan Skriloff
Rockland County's tourist trade will be promoted at regional and national trade shows for the first time, thanks to a cooperative arrangement between the Rockland Business Association's Hospitality and Tourism Alliance and the County's Department of Tourism.
The Alliance, a group of over 30 RBA companies chaired by Gregory Parseghian of the Best Western in Nyack, was the driving force behind the concept. The mission of the Alliance, formed by the RBA this spring, is to identify and create tourism opportunities to enhance economic growth and development in Rockland County.
"With representation at trade shows Rockland County's historical sites, natural beauty, hotels, restaurants and activities will gain regional spotlight," Parseghian said. "It will help bring visitors to the County. We expect to attract senior groups and people interested in sightseeing the whole area, not just Rockland."
Many Rockland establishments will be featured at the shows, including the Palisades Center Mall, the County's most popular tourist destination. Casablanca Event Planning, a member company of the Alliance, will host promotional booths at six trade shows which are taking place in Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, New England and Utah between March and November of 2006.
"The project is a great investment in the future of the County's tourist trade. A lot of exposure will be gained with vendors and travel groups in the region," RBA CEO and President Al Samuels said.
"Rockland County needs to build an image of itself as a regional travel destination and these shows will certainly help that cause," RBA Vice President of Development Roger Scheiber noted.
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Vendors at the events are typically county tourism departments, hotels, theme parks and other specific tourist destinations. Visitors are group leaders from church groups, summer camps, condo groups and others looking to plan a group trip. Over 1,200 vendors will have booths at the first trade show taking place this March in York, Pennsylvania.
Tsilla Flint, Director of Sales for the Nanuet Comfort Inn, came up with the idea for a Rockland presence at the trade shows. She attended a show last year solely to promote her own hotel and though she made important contacts, it wasn't very economical.
"I realized it would make more sense for several members to pool their resources together and represent the interests of the entire County as well as their own," she said.
Hiring Casablanca Event Planning to run the events would ensure a fair presentation for all members participating, Flint said. Casablanca President Maria Rodd will direct the booth presentations.
The total cost of the project is $16,945 and will be split by the Rockland Department of Tourism and RBA participants, who will contribute $250 per show.
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