With offices in Historic Hanover Square, Visit Syracuse plays a critical role in Onondaga County's economic development strategy through its focus to grow the area's business of leisure tourism, meetings & conventions, sporting & special events and film/television production. We are designated as Onondaga County’s official Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) via our direct collaboration with Empire State Development and the “I Love NY” program.
An abundance of fabulous restaurants, first-class arts and cultural experiences and top-notch attractions await all visitors to the region, and the dedicated team of professionals at Visit Syracuse continuously market promote all four seasons through marketing campaigns, brand development, media relations, and more. We have the data and the resources to identify, capture, target and retarget a wide scope of potential visitors as we invite them to come enjoy and explore Syracuse, Onondaga County and Central New York, a great place to live, work, play and visit.
History
Visit Syracuse was established in 1919 to promote the Greater Syracuse area as a convention and leisure destination. Known initially as the City Club of Syracuse, which merged with the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce in 1918, the organization was officially designated as the Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau in November 1919. In 2015, the name was shortened to Visit Syracuse, for marketing purposes. No matter which name we go by, we have the distinction of being the first officially designated CVB organization in New York State.
Hosting conferences, conventions and more
Meeting and event planners, along with their attendees, appreciate the accessibility of our destination at the crossroads of two major interstates, within a short four-hour drive of 10 major North American markets (home to about 80 million people.) Easy access via AMTRAK, as well as continued expansion of incoming flights to Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport, further solidifies our ability to serve as a host destination for a variety of meetings and events. Planners work closely with the Visit Syracuse sales and services team to review our selection of facilities and venues alongside an array of accommodations to fit any style and budget, setting the stage for the Central New York Region to host a variety of state, regional and national meetings, and events.
Bringing Film Production to Syracuse
The Visit Syracuse Film Office works to promote, develop, and increase film & television production in the Central New York region. Utilizing state and local tax and rebate incentives, initiating local crew training programs, assisting with permits, and connecting filmmakers with area businesses are just a few examples of ensuring success. Having worked on dozens of films, with many more in development, the film office is constantly striving to make the Syracuse area a staple in the entertainment and film industry.
Mission
Visit Syracuse leads the generation of nearly $900 million in direct visitor spending annually to the local economy, and as Central New York’s largest Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), works to deliver short-term and future income for businesses, employment for residents and tax revenue for local government.
