O.C. Tourism Welcome Center Grand Opening

GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Tourism Director Amanda Dana participated in a ceremonial ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of the Orange County Tourism Office’s Welcome Center.

Chairman of the Legislature Steve Brescia, Legislators James O’Donnell, Rob Sassi, Janet Sutherland and Paul Ruszkiewicz, Senator Jen Metzger and Assemblyman Colin Schmitt also attended the event.

“We have some of the most impressive tourism destinations right here in our own backyard,” Neuhaus said. “Tourism in Orange County is a growing industry and a terrific contributor to the County’s economy. This refurbished Welcome Center in Goshen will provide a friendly and interactive place for visitors and residents to learn about what’s happening in our great County.”

For decades, tourists have flocked to Orange County to visit landmarks such as West Point and Storm King Art Center. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, one of the state’s biggest tourism attractions, accounts for an estimated 13 million visitors to Orange County each year. An additional seven million visitors are expected in the region following LEGOLAND® New York theme park and resort’s anticipated 2020 opening.

To accommodate this growth, and to give visitors a one-stop-shop in the seat of Orange County, the Tourism Department has opened its Welcome Center at 99 Main Street in Goshen. The Welcome Center will be a resource for visitors and will include information about nearby attractions, lodging, dining, craft beverage, all delivered by a knowledgeable team available during operating hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The Welcome Center is also where visitors and residents can pick up a copy of the 2019 Orange County Travel Guide.

“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 top tourist attraction for visitors from around the world and I know that this trend will continue.”

Dana added: “The Tourism staff is excited to open our Welcome Center to residents of Orange County and our guests. We are grateful for the vision of County Executive Neuhaus, who has embraced tourism as a top economic driver for our County and region. We are thrilled to be a part of the new tourism destination culture and look forward to working with our partners to provide an incredible visitor experience.”

Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org.