Orange County Tourism Opens New Office

GOSHEN—Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and other county and municipal officials participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting on July 6th to celebrate the grand-opening of Orange County’s Tourism Office.

Neuhaus was joined at the event by Deputy County Executive Wayne Booth, Director of Operations Harry Porr, Orange County Tourism Director Susan Hawvermale, County Clerk Annie Rabbitt, Department of Public Works Commissioner Chris Viebrock, Deputy Commissioner of Infrastructure Services Jim Brooks, Town of Goshen Supervisor Doug Bloomfield, County Historian Johanna Yaun and County Legislators Jeff Berkman, Phil Canterino, Paul Ruszkiewicz and John Vero.

“Orange County has some of the most impressive tourism destinations right here in our own backyard,” Neuhaus said. “Tourism in Orange County has become a growing industry with numerous economic benefits. Our new tourism offices in Goshen will provide a visible location for all tourism related activities.”

Neuhaus increased Orange County’s tourism budget from $642,000 to $1.055 million for the 2016 budget. The majority of tourism’s budget is offset by the hotel tax collected by Orange County.

“I have put an emphasis on tourism since I took office and that will continue,” Neuhaus said. “We are all proud that Orange County has become a tourist attraction for visitors from around the world. I know that this trend will continue.”

Orange County’s new 1,500-square-foot office is located at 99 Main Street in Goshen. This storefront location is much more accessible to residents and visitors. Orange County Tourism was previously located in the 1887 County Building at 124 Main Street in Goshen.

The tourism office is headquarters for the industry in Orange County and part of the I LOVE NEW YORK program. The new facility serves as an information center, offering local and regional brochures as well as maps in its spacious reception area. Visitors to and residents of Orange County can receive help in trip planning with suggestions for restaurants, lodging, and itineraries.