Local Tourism Agencies Joining Forces

With the idea there’s power in numbers, the tourism agencies in McKean and Cattaraugus counties are partnering to bring visitors into the region.

The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization for McKean County, and the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., have joined forces with FORE! Golf magazine to entice golfers to come to the region.

The group has developed marketing materials and golf packages that will be used at travel shows and other distribution areas. The group plans to attend the Toronto Golf & Travel Show in March to promote packages and distribute information on golf courses as well as other attractions in both areas.

Focusing on Toronto as one of the key markets in this joint effort helps the agencies reach their target audience, said Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.

“There’s already a steady stream of visitors coming from Canada to Ellicottville,” Devlin said. “With this promotion, we hope to lure travelers to come further south into our areas.”

By thinking and promoting regionally, more visitors will come, stay and play here, making this a true win-win situation.

“This unique cooperative effort is anticipated to bring visitors to our area that will not only enjoy our golf courses, but also stay overnight in our accommodations, eat in our restaurants and shop in our retail stores,” said Debra Opferbeck of Cattaraugus County Tourism. “Increased tourism dollars will result in increased sales and bed taxes that will help our local governments.”

The FORE! Golf publication has already started promoting the region with its monthly newspaper that informs golfers of the variety of courses as well as other attractions here.

Those attending the show will be eligible to win a pair of FREE overnight golf packages from each county. Once the winners arrive, both agencies are hopeful that the winners explore the area and discover other golf courses and attractions along the way.

For more information on promoting golf or your business in the area, contact the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 or The Enchanted Mountains at 800-331-0543.

Pictured, Pennhills Club in Bradford, Pa., is one of the golf courses in the Allegheny National Forest Region taking part in a joint effort between McKean and Cattaraugus counties to promote golfing and tourism in the region.

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