Letter to President and CEO of BRAND USA Christopher L. Thompson - Include Niagara Falls and Buffalo Architectural Destinations

Letter

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called for Brand USA to include the Niagara Falls and Buffalo regions on their promotional website to attract additional visitors and help inject tourism dollars into the local economy. As one of Brand USA's largest efforts, www.DiscoverAmerica.com is a travel site that is federally funded and designed to highlight all of the best destinations the United States has to offer. Created in 2010, Discover America provides promotional materials for travelers from all over the world to help plan trips to the United States. Schumer noted that Discover America does not include Niagara Falls State Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, on its suggested trip list. In addition, the travel guide includes no mention of Buffalo's historic architecture.

"Although I am thrilled that BrandUSA has promoted some of New York's most attractive tourist destinations, it is time that this federally funded tourism entity helps America discover the wonders of Western New York," said Schumer. "Whether tourists marvel at the beauty of Niagara Falls State Park or study Buffalo's historic architecture, such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin House and H.H. Richardson's work, I have long suggested that folks visit Western New York whenever possible: I am urging BrandUSA to do the same through Discover America. I have long fought for federal funding for the region's breathtaking sites, and now I am fighting for these wonders to receive a sufficient amount of publicity so tourists know where to go in Western New York."

On the New York State page of the Discover America website, the list of recommended New York trips currently includes: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Finger Lakes, Cooperstown, the Empire State Building, New York's Art Museums, Harlem and Upper Manhattan, The Adirondacks, the Hudson Valley, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. By excluding Western New York's most treasured landmarks in the suggested trips section, Schumer emphasized that Discover America is not doing enough to engage tourists across the world who are looking for destination hotspots for their vacation or travel needs. What's more, Schumer urged that Niagara Falls and other destinations in the region be added to help spur additional tourism to the region, which would be highly valuable to local businesses, hotels, restaurants and other aspects of the Western New York economy.

In his letter to Discover America, Schumer pointed to a number of great destinations that Western New York offers to visiting tourists. As one of America's greatest treasures, Niagara Falls has long been one of the country's most visited tourist destinations, and the City can certainly benefit from additional tourism. In addition to being America's oldest state park, Niagara Falls State Park is regularly, and rightfully, named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Buffalo boasts a number of architectural wonders of its own, including: Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Darwin Martin House, Louis Sullivan's intricately ornamented Guaranty Building, and the imposing H.H. Richardson Complex.

Brand USA was established by the Travel Promotion Act in 2010 to spearhead the nation's first global marketing effort to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and communicate U.S. entry/exit policies and procedures. Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA. Brand USA works in close partnership with the travel industry to maximize the economic and social benefits of travel. Through its call-to-action--DiscoverAmerica.com--Brand USA inspires travelers to explore the United States of America's boundless possibilities.

A copy of Sen. Schumer's letter to Christopher L. Thompson, President & CEO of BRAND USA appears below:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I write you to highlight the need to increase Western New York's involvement in Discover America's New York State Page and other promotional materials. I applaud Discover America for its excellent coverage of what much of New York has to offer. From the beauty of the Finger Lakes to the dazzling lights of Times Square, Discover America has done a wonderful job at laying out much of what New York has to offer. I believe that with further attention paid to Western New York, particularly the sublime wonder of Niagara Falls and the bounty of architectural treasures offered in Buffalo, Discover America can do an even better job at selling New York to the world.

Niagara Falls State Park, America's oldest state park, is consistently named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. Millions of tourists from around the world flock to Niagara Falls every year, making it one of the top tourism sites in the world -- but I know we can do ever better with the support of Discover America. By highlighting the ease of access for foreign tourists through international airports in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, Discover America can spread the word that, though it is at the far end of the state, Niagara Falls is just as accessible as New York City. Along with the awe-inspiring scenery of Niagara Falls, Niagara County has so much more to offer. Niagara County boasts an extensive lakefront that is perfect for boating and fishing, a world-class wine trail, and multitudes of restaurants that are sure to impress anyone from around the world.

In addition to Niagara Falls, Western New York boasts one of the best collections of American architectural treasures. With Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Darwin Martin House, Louis Sullivan's intricately ornamented Guaranty Building, and the imposing H.H. Richardson Complex, Buffalo certainly has no shortage of amazing architectural history for tourists to view and learn about. Complementing Buffalo's architectural gems are its world-famous signature foods, major league sports, exciting nightlife and its walkable shopping districts.

I know that with the support of Discover America, we can showcase all of New York to the world and show them why Western New York, and the rest of the state, is such a great place to visit and have fun. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to working with you on this issue.

Source