The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Oneida County Tourism creates tourism video
Oneida County Tourism (OCT) created an uplifting video showcasing local tourism partners during the difficult times of COVID-19.
OCT asked local attractions and hotels to submit pictures for the video project. They requested images that showcased positive images of working from home or doing a favorite hobby. Images of kids and pets were also accepted.
The final product was a video aimed at shining a positive light on the community, OCT stated. The video can be found on Youtube by searching “Spreading Positivity with Visit Oneida County, NY.”
OCT explained that the goal of this project was multi-dimensional. They hoped to make people feel happy and optimistic while also showcasing their tourism partners, which includes breweries, zoos, museums, and more. While many of these businesses aren’t currently open for business, some are offering digital programs.
Partners who participated in the video include Made in Utica, Clinton Chamber of Commerce, Brimfield Farm Winery, Utica Public Library, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, North
Star Orchards, Copper City Brewing Company, Broadway Utica, Utica Coffee Roasting Company, Rome Country Club, Rome Chamber of Commerce, Saranac Brewery, Jones Family Farm, Adirondack Scenic Railroad, Rome Art and Community Center, Oneida County Historic Center, C&D Advertising, Greenscapes Garden Center, Innovation Collective: Utica, Boilermaker Road Race, Artisan’s Corner of Clinton, The Root Farm, Mohawk Valley Community College, Wellnesste Lodge, Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites New Hartford, Adirondack Barrel Cooperage, Utica Zoo, and others.
“The video can serve as a reminder of some of the amazing local businesses in the area in hopes of inspiring future visitors and locals to visit them when the timing is right,” OCT
shared in a press release.
Sarah Foster, director of media relations at OCT, said, “We were really happy to see so many positive responses from our partners. They seemed appreciative and more than happy to share pictures of themselves. While this isn’t the right time to promote travel and tourism, we were able to see what these people are doing for their communities and families. It was very inspiring.”
During the process, OCT said they learned about tourism attractions that are contributing to COVID-19 efforts. According to OCT, Villa Verona Vineyard converted their wine-making process into making hand sanitizer and has been donating the sanitizers to first responders and local non-profits.
Additionally, Margaret Keblish of Prospect Falls Winery has been making face masks. OCT also noted that Sherrill Manufacturing/liberty Tabletop sent a large shipment of flatware to the USNS Comfort.
The video can be found on Oneida County Tourism’s Youtubewsit Oneida County, NY, and on Instagram @ocnewyork. OCT says they’re grateful to have incredible partners who work together, even when times are hard.