New York’s thriving tourism industry is poised to continue growing with the creation of a new program through a bill introduced by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. The Governor signed into law Monday legislation sponsored by Lupardo and Senator Rich Funke to create a Senior Tourism Attractions Program. This new program targets seniors by identifying destinations and activities that target older New Yorkers.

“As New Yorkers age, they’re staying more active than ever before,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “This program will expand the reach of our statewide tourism initiative by specifically targeting seniors. As a result, more tourism dollars will stay in the state while New York seniors enjoy all that our state has to offer.”

"I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to advance legislation signed into law today that will empower one of our fastest growing demographics, the aging population, to better utilize all that the tourism industry of New York State has to offer,” said Senator Funke. “The establishment of the Senior Tourism Attractions Program will actively engage seniors while simultaneously expanding our state’s 4th largest industry by making information on ‘Senior friendly' tourist attractions more readily available."

The State Department of Economic Development will work with the State Office for Aging, other relevant state agencies, and local governments to identify destinations within each of the state’s vacation regions. The Senior Tourism Attractions Program will link visitors to artistic, cultural, and historical attractions and highlight age-friendly activities, restaurants, lodging, and other entertainment venues.

Tourism has grown to become the state's fourth largest industry, employing 914,000 New Yorkers. In 2016, there was a record 239 million visitors to the state, which generated $104.8 billion in economic activity; the third year in a row that number has topped $100 billion.

The Senior Tourism Attractions Program will be implemented in 2018.