Experience-Based Destination Development

Manages and allocates funding to support the development of tourism-related facilities and improvements to infrastructure that benefit the regional tourism industry.

Runs regional, national, and international marketing campaigns to promote tourism in the Finger Lakes through the "Explore Finger Lakes" brand.

Operates a membership network of over 540 tourism-related businesses and organizations in the Finger Lakes region to foster collaboration and regional development.

Organizes and hosts the CMoG Summer of Wonder event annually from May 23 to September 7, 2026, offering cultural and artistic programming.

Runs a 90-minute round-trip scenic train experience from Waterloo, including seasonal wine train excursions with curated wine tastings and charcuterie boxes from Seneca Lake wineries, available from late May through September.

Plans and promotes a series of LGBTQ+ pride events including the FLX Pride Festival, Rochester Pride Parade & Festival, and Naples NY Pride Celebration, featuring performances, vendors, food, and community activities.

Preparing to organize and promote events in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Creates blog content featuring insider information on destinations, events, and lesser-known facts about the Finger Lakes to engage potential visitors.

Identifies and promotes ten destinations in the Finger Lakes region that demonstrate exceptional hospitality and visitor experiences.

Offers information and promotion of recreational activities at state parks in the Finger Lakes region, including hiking, camping, swimming, waterfall viewing, and guided tours.

Offers comprehensive travel planning resources on attractions, lodging, dining, wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries to support visitation to the Finger Lakes region.

Played a foundational role in organizing the Windmill Farm and Craft Market, including hosting a community meeting in 1986, selecting a site, and launching the market in 1987 with over 80 vendors.

Utilizes the restored Sherburne Inn as an event space by hosting community events such as the annual Pageant of Bands parade, Halloween events welcoming hundreds of trick-or-treaters, behind-the-scenes viewings of preservation work, and participation in the Memorial Day Parade, fostering public engagement and historical appreciation.

Following completion of Phase 1 of the restoration in 2016, the organization enabled the operation of a farm-to-table restaurant at the Sherburne Inn, offering brunch every Sunday and dinner every Saturday as part of its reuse and community engagement strategy.

Acquired the deteriorating Sherburne Inn building in 2012 and has carried out a multi-phase restoration project to preserve the historic structure, prevent demolition, and eliminate blight in the Village of Sherburne. As of the latest updates, Phases I and II of the four-phase project have been completed, with repair and renewal work beginning in 2015.

Designs and operates cultural tours to Mexico, Sicily, Ireland, and Spain, featuring small-group and private itineraries focused on local history, art, traditions, and cuisine. Examples include 7-day tours to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende, 8-day tours to Sicily, and 7-day cultural tours in Ireland, all led by expert guides and including curated cultural, historical, and culinary activities.

Designs and operates legally compliant cultural exchange travel programs to Cuba with a focus on music, dance, art, and local cuisine, offering both scheduled weekly small-group tours and private itineraries. Group sizes are limited to 8 participants to ensure immersive, authentic experiences, with programming including guided walking tours of Old Havana, visits to historic sites like Finca la Vigia, and excursions to rural areas such as Viñales Valley and Las Terrazas.

Coordinates private music concerts, dance performances, and visits with local artists as integral components of its cultural tour programming in Cuba, featuring performances by professional Cuban music groups and hosted experiences with figures such as award-winning pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco.