Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C-Schoharie) had the opportunity to showcase the wonders of his district during Assemblyman Scott Gray’s Minority Tourism Task Force tour. On August 16, the task force made appearances at Howe Caverns and Cooperstown in upstate New York. With a day full of activities, those in attendance met with members of the local chambers of commerce, government officials and business owners to discuss what the state could do to better support the quiet upstate economy.

“It was a pleasure to be able to showcase this beautiful district and what we have to offer while also giving our constituents the opportunity to tell us what they need. Thanks to this tour, we will be able to better generate policy based on the needs and wants of our residents,” said Tague.

During the tour, business leaders from the tourism industry expressed their concerns about five main issues impacting upstate tourism: transit, short-term rentals, broadband internet access, infrastructure capabilities and applications for grants. While some issues will take time to iron out, Gray’s Minority Tourism Task Force is one step in the right direction.

“People often forget tourism still exists outside of the major cities, but my district really has a lot to offer, and would have a lot more if we were able to address some of the challenges these professionals have to deal with. During the 2024 legislative session we will have a better idea of what we need to accomplish during those months,” Tague said.