Tourism businesses congregate

Literature exchange packs ’em in again this year

By FRITZ MAYER

BRIDGEVILLE, NY — A rack card is a low tech and effective form of advertising that tourism industries in Sullivan County depend on. And at an annual event called the literature exchange, tourism businesses and nonprofits exchange rack cards in an effort to network and support each other’s endeavors.

The fifth literature exchange was held at Holiday Mountain Fun Park on May 17 as local businesses gear up for the unofficial start of the summer season on Memorial Day. It is sponsored by the Sullivan County Visitors Association.

Charlie Sanborn, proprietor of Cinder Track Bicycles in Livingston Manor, is in his third year of business. Asked what would make a good season for him, he didn’t miss a beat and answered, “no floods.”

Indeed, the floods that marred last year’s summer season were mentioned by several people. Jim Krul, executive director of the Fly Fishing Center and Museum in Livingston Manor, said there was concern that the bug population necessary to support a healthy trout population in the area’s rivers would not recover in time for a good season this year. But he said the bugs are in fine shape, and he’s had his best May in five years. He said there have been so many fly-fishing enthusiasts around that many of his favorite hidden fishing spots are already occupied by the time he gets to them. It’s a good problem to have, he said.

Eric Orr of Landers River Trips said hot, sunny days with temperatures in the 80s or hotter are best for the watercraft rental business. So much so that even a partly cloudy forecast can dampen his business; he much prefers partly sunny. He trades rack cards every year because visitors will want something else to do after their three-hour river trip, and a visitor that has an overall good experience will return to the area.

There were some unexpected members among the participants this year. Pastor Kit Robinson of the First Grace Lutheran Church in Monticello was exchanging rack cards and information along with everyone else. He said it was a way to attract new members, and he knew that his was the only church in the county using this method. He said a church, like a business, has to meet a budget and this was a good way to reach out to weekend visitors.

Also on hand was Bob Fitzpatrick of the M&T Bank, which is based in Rochester and has branches in Monticello, Liberty and Roscoe. He said he specializes in reverse mortgages, and like everyone else at the event, was exploring new ways to reach new customers.

This was the first literature exchange for members of the Catskills Artists Gallery, which has been open for about three years. Members Kathy Jeffers and Buff McAllister ran out of rack cards before the event was over. They said they handed out 700 cards in little more than an hour.

According to Roberta Byron-Lockwood, CEO of the visitors association, there were 60 businesses at the event.

Tourism by the numbers

• Tourism is the second largest industry in Sullivan County.

• Tourism brought $533 million to the county in 2006.

• Tourism accounted for $8 million in tax dollars in 2006.

• Tourism provides direct jobs for 4,311 people in the county.

• The Sullivan County Visitors Association has 240 members.