New York State Reaches Historic Tourism Milestone: 291+ Million Visitors Generate Record Spending
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State welcomed a record 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number of visitors in New York State’s history, generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact. These figures represent staggering increases over 2021 and surpass the previous records set in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the Governor’s historic investments in tourism, economic development, public safety, transportation, and
CONY's 60th Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry to be held in Verona, New York
Malta, NY - Campground Owners of New York (CONY), the leading trade association for independently owned campgrounds in the state, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 60th Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. The event will take place from November 2nd to November 5th, 2023 at the prestigious Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Campground operators, their staff, prospective operators, and industry vendors are invited to join in this milestone celebration. With 60
New York Campgrounds are Making Improvements for the 2023 Camping Season
Campground Owners of New York, which hostsCampNewYork.com, highlights new, expanding and improving campgrounds across The Empire State Independently owned and operated campgrounds in New York are making improvements in preparation for the 2023 camping season. “Most independently owned and operated campgrounds make improvements of some kind each year,” said Donald G. Bennett, Jr., President and CEO of Campground Owners of New York (CONY), a trade association that operates CampNewYork.com, a travel planning
Annual Cops and Campers event set for Spruce Row Campground & RV Park
An unexpected encounter inspires the creation of a wellness retreat for first responders. Ithaca, New York — March 15, 2023—A new tradition is developing at Spruce Row Campground & RV Park in Ithaca, New York. From June 23 to June 25, 2023 the park will host the 2nd annual Cops and Campers wellness retreat for first responders and their families.Cops and Campers was founded by retired police officer Eric Reynolds after an unsettling encounter he experienced at another campground in 2021. There he was
Don Bennett, Jr. to step away from CONY in May 2023
President/CEO of Campground Owners of New York will focus on expanding other businesses. Pittsford, New York — February 13, 2023— Effective May 13, 2023 Don Bennett Jr. CPA will be leaving his position as President and CEO of Campground Owners of New York (CONY). Bennett made the announcement to CONY’s executive committee and board of directors during their regularly scheduled meeting on February 13th. During Bennett’s seventeen-year tenure at CONY the association refined its mission statement,
CONY Spring Zone Meetings Set for March 28-30, 2023
Each meeting with trade show repeats in Albany, Auburn, and Batavia, NY. Pittsford, New York — February 3, 2023—Campground Owners of New York (CONY), the trade association for independently owned campgrounds in New York State, announces the dates and locations for its Spring Zone Meetings. Campground operators and staff, prospective operators, and industry vendors are invited to participate. Each Zone Meeting starts at 9:00am and repeats daily in three locations:March 28, 2023: Polish Community Center,
CONY and RVshare partner to bring awareness of camping in New York
Promotion of the RVshare platform will help encourage travelers to book CONY campgrounds. Pittsford, New York – November 29, 2022 – Campground Owners of New York (CONY), the trade association for independently owned campgrounds in New York State, has joined with RVshare in an affiliate marketing partnership, with the intent to help bring awareness to New York-based campgrounds and help both renters and owners on the RVshare platform book those campgrounds. RVshare is the largest online community for RV
Jones Pond Campground & RV Park in Angelica Donates $10,700 to local SPCA
Campground owners and their campers have raised over $52,780 over 8 years to help local animals.Angelica, New York — November 8, 2022— On October 11th, owners of Jones Pond Campground & RV Park in Angelica, NY, along with some of their seasonal campers, visited the SPCA Serving Allegany County to present fundraising monies, as well as donations of goods and services. In 2022 the park raised a total of $10,700 for the local SPCA. According to park co-owner Bryan Schaefer, they did a variety of activities to
CONY Welcomes Livingston Energy Group as a Vendor Partner
The New York-based company will provide event sponsorship and education to the association. Pittsford, New York — September 19, 2022— Campground Owners of New York (CONY), the trade association for independently owned campgrounds in New York State, welcomes Livingston Energy Group, a Lynkwell company, as a Vendor Partner to its nearly 200 member parks. As a Vendor Partner, Livingston Energy Group will provide sponsor underwriting to CONY events, present education and information sessions, and contribute
Livingston Energy Group Ranks No. 377 on the 2022 Inc. 5000 Annual List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies
NEW YORK, August 18, 2022 – Livingston Energy Group, a Lynkwell Company, ranked 377th fastest-growing private company in America on the Inc. 5000 list. Specializing in EV infrastructure development and deployment, the founding pair has added nearly 100 people over the past two years to include engineers, developers, and consultants, with plans to add hundreds more after recently landing multiple contracts that span North America. Livingston also came in as the 11th fastest growing energy businesses across
Glamping Destination, Naturluxe & Stars, Celebrates Grand Prix Vintage Car Festival
Watkins Glen, NY – Naturluxe & Stars is bringing the glamour to the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Vintage Car Festival. The luxury glamping resort is hosting the first annual “Naturluxe & Cars”. Visitors will enjoy on-site tours of the glamping tents from noon to 3 pm on September 9 & 10, as well as catch previews of vintage cars as they pass the resort and enter the nearby main gate at Watkins Glen International Racetrack throughout the weekend. Visitors will also have the chance to win a stay at the luxury
CONY and Campground Views, Inc. Partner to Provide Discounted Marketing Services for Member Parks
Campground Virtual Tours is proven to generate significant return on investment. Pittsford, New York — July 22, 2022— Campground Owners of New York (CONY), the trade association for independently owned campgrounds in New York State, is partnering with Campground Views, Inc. to provide association members with discounted fees for campground virtual tours.Campground Views, Inc. operates Campground Virtual Tour, proprietary technology it also developed. According to Mark Koep, President and CEO of Campground
Greek Peak Campground at Hope Lake Officially Opens
Greek Peak Mountain Resort announces that the Campground at Hope Lake is officially open with 26 RV sites and 15 Junior-RV/Camper sites. The larger RV sites are equipped with sewer, water, and electric, while the Junior-RV sites have water and electric access. There is also a 1,500 square foot bath house available on site with two showers, bathrooms, and laundry.“We have invested over $500,000 toward phase one of our campground project, with phase two looking to add up to another 120 sites in the near
CONY Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry Set for Albany, NY
Event with trade show scheduled for October 31 – November 2, 2022 Pittsford, New York — July 13, 2022—Campground Owners of New York (CONY), the trade association for independently owned campgrounds in New York State, will hold its 59th Exposition for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry in Albany, New York from October 31 to November 2, 2022. Campground operators and staff, prospective operators, and industry vendors are invited to participate. This year the Exposition theme is “Recreation Readiness and
Pine Ridge Park Campsite featured on The Weather Channel
Pine Ridge Park Campsite, in the northern Adirondacks, was featured in a travel segment on The Weather Channel as a great place to visit. The segment was presented by Pitchup.com, an associate member of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association. Here is the link to the video and transcript of the segment. VIDEO LINK
Private Park Operators Could Face Legal Liability If They Fail To Prepare For Active Shooter Events
The Towne Law Firm of Albany, N.Y., with offices throughout the Capital Region, Adirondacks, and Northeast recommends that park operators hold regular active shooter training sessions and develop policies and procedures to protect staff during active shooter events Private park operators could face legal liability if an employee is injured in an active shooter event due to the lack of well-rounded active shooter event policies and related training, according to legal guidance provided last week
Kick Start Your Summer Travel Plans - Check Out CAMPNEWYORK.COM For Healthy Activities in the Great Outdoors
KICK START YOUR SUMMER TRAVEL PLANNING BY CHECKING OUT CAMPNEWYORK.COM'S SUGGESTIONS FOR HEALTHY ACTIVITIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORSThe travel planning website also recommends campgrounds that can be used as base camps for hiking, rafting, fishing, biking, zip-lining and even caving adventures As the weather warms up, people of all ages are increasingly escaping into the Great Outdoors, enjoying every outdoor activity New York has to offer, from hiking and biking and fishing to river tubing, kayaking
New York Campground Owners Are Planning Big Improvements in Preparation for the 2022 Camping Season
Campgrounds across New York are busy adding new campsites and cabins, installing new amenities, and scheduling live entertainment and theme weekends in preparation for the upcoming camping season. “Campground operators are really busy in the weeks and months before they open their parks for the season. Many of them are making improvements that will make their parks even better vacation destinations than they were last year,” said Donald G. Bennett, Jr., president and CEO of Campground Owners of New
Campgrounds featured on CampNewYork.com are closing in on $1 million in donations for Camp Good Days and Special Times
The decade-long fundraising campaign has increased urgency this year due to a February flood that destroyed two 30-bed cabins Campgrounds are the places where families make wonderful memories to last a lifetime. But many independent campgrounds affiliated with CampNewYork.com also host fundraising events to support Camp Good Days, a Mendon, N.Y.-based nonprofit organization that offers free camps, special activities and other services for children suffering from cancer. Special camps are also
Jones Pond Campground & RV Park in Angelica Donates $6,024 to local SPCA
Jones Pond Campground & RV Park in Angelica Donates $6,024 to local SPCA Campground and its campers raise funds annually to help local animals.Angelica, New York — February 28, 2022— The owners Jones Pond Campground & RV Park in Angelica, NY, along with some of their seasonal campers, recently visited the SPCA Serving Allegany County to present their annual fundraising monies, as well as donations of goods and services. In 2021 the park raised a total of $6,024.97 for the local SPCA. According to park
New York Campground Operators Report Record Occupancies in 2021
And they expect more of the same in 2022. “We consider 2021 to be the busiest in the history of New York’s camping business,” said Donald G. Bennett, Jr., president and CEO of Campground Owners of New York Privately owned and operated campgrounds across New York experienced record occupancies during the 2021 camping season, with business levels being up 15 to 20 percent at many privately owned parks. “We consider 2021 to be the busiest in the history of New York’s camping business,” said Donald
CONY Magazine Contributor Wins Award from AGLOW
Bill Hilts, Jr. of Lockport, NY was recognized for his outstanding work as an outdoor media producer at the 65th annual meeting of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) held in Gaylord, Michigan September 14-17, 2021. Hilts was awarded 1st place in the Best of Newspaper - Fishing category for his piece titled “Newfane Angler tries to preserve WNY Fishing History one lure at a time” that appeared in the Buffalo News on Nov. 8, 2020. Hilts also was awarded a 2nd place in the Best of
New York Campgrounds Offer Base Camps To Enjoy Fall Festivals and Fall Foliage Tours
Autumn is gradually making its way across New York, with cooler temperatures and fall colors gradually making their way across the state. “The colors typically peak first in the higher elevations of the Adirondacks and then gradually sweep across the state,” said Don Bennett, Jr., president and CEO of Campground Owners of New York, which hosts CampNewYork.com, the travel planning website. Many New York residents use campgrounds as base camps not only for fall foliage excursions, but to
CONY's President & CEO Named Tourism Executive of the Year
PITTSFORD, NY – Donald G. Bennett Jr., President & CEO of Campground Owners of New York is the recipient of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s (NYSH&TA) 2021 Outstanding Tourism Executive of the Year award. Bennett was recognized at the Association’s 2021 Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon/Day at the Races Fundraiser at The Rail at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, NY) on Wednesday, August 18. The program recognizes the exemplary professionalism and
Spruce Row Campground & RV Park fundraising weekend nets $7,800 for Camp Good Days and Special Times
Ithaca, New York — July 29, 2021— Tompkins County campground owner Scott Sherwood of Spruce Row Campground & RV Park in Ithaca, NY, announces his park raised $7,800 for Camp Good Days and Special Times during special fundraising events held July 23 – 25. Friends, family members and park guests participated in the activities. Sherwood and his campground hosted the Spruce Row Golf Tournament at the Trumansburg Golf Club, held a rock painting activity to send special messages to Camp Good Days, and conducted
CONY Anticipates a Record Year as COVID-Weary Families Escape to the Great Outdoors
NEW YORK CAMPGROUND OPERATORS ANTICIPATE A RECORD YEAR AS COVID-WEARY FAMILIES ESCAPE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS If you haven’t made campground reservations yet for spring, summer or even fall, you’d better make them soon because many New York campgrounds are reporting record levels of advance reservations this year. You may also want to consider having some weekday dates in mind when researching availability, since weekends are booking fast. “Some of our members are telling us
Camp New York and See NY's Waterfalls and Wildflowers
CAMPNEWYORK.COM IS A HANDY TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCE FOR SPRING CAMPING TRIPS TO SEE NEW YORK’S WATERFALLS AND WILDFLOWERS As the weather warms up and spring makes it way across New York, the flow of water in the state’s many waterfalls will increase as wildflowers begin to bloom, providing beautiful scenery for day hikes and camping trips. One great resource to find waterfalls is I LOVE NEW YORK’s waterfalls page at https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/waterfalls/, which
NY's Independent Campgrounds Continue to Add Campsites, Amenities and Attractions
NEW YORK’S INDEPENDENT CAMPGROUNDS CONTINUE TO ADD CAMPSITES, AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS Improvements range from new and upgraded RV sites to new swimming pools and rental cabins to major interactive water features with waterslides and water cannons Many independently owned campgrounds in New York have spent the past few months adding new amenities, installing new rental accommodations and making other improvements in preparation for the 2021 camping season. “It’s a good time to be in the
CONY Raises Over $750,000 for Camp Good Days in Past 10 Years
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE James R. McCauley, Jr. Camp Good Days (585) 624-5555jmccauley@campgooddays.org www.campgooddays.org Suzanne Hopkins Bixby Campground Owners of New York (585) 586-4360, Ext. 3suzanne@campnewyork.com CAMPGROUND OPERATORS IN NEW YORK HAVE PROVIDED CAMP GOOD DAYS WITH MORE THAN $750,000 IN SUPPORT OVER THE PAST DECADE Special fundraising activities for Camp Good Days are already being scheduled at campgrounds across New York When top officials
Camp Good Days Gives Children an Escape From The Trauma of Life-Threatening illnesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE James R. McCauley, Jr. Camp Good Days (585) 624-5555jmccauley@campgooddays.org www.campgooddays.org Suzanne Hopkins Bixby Campground Owners of New York (585) 586-4360, Ext. 3suzanne@campnewyork.com CAMP GOOD DAYS GIVES CHILDREN AN ESCAPE FROM THE TRAUMA OF HAVING A LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS The bonding that takes place between participants leads to enduring friendships that provide emotional support they can’t get outside their immediate
