Award-winning campaigns, in collaboration with Focus Media of Goshen, N.Y., address inclusion and promote year-round activities and destinations
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (July 10, 2025) – Orange County Tourism & Film is proud to announce it has earned two prestigious awards from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) celebrating our commitment to inclusivity and our year-round tourism initiatives! These honors recognize the creative, community-driven efforts that continue to make Orange County a must-visit destination in every season.
The Orange County Tourism & Film Office received these top honors for two standout initiatives created in collaboration with Focus Media, an award-winning public relations and marketing firm based in Goshen, NY. The Inclusive Campaign, developed in partnership with popular influencer Our Huddy Buddy, earned the Excellence in Tourism Equity and Inclusion award. This heartwarming campaign aims to normalize accessible travel by showcasing inclusive experiences through a joyful and engaging lens. The Four Seasons Campaign, a dynamic year-round effort to promote Orange County as a destination for all seasons, took home the award for Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects and Programs: Digital Marketing. Fueled by a deep understanding of how audiences engage with social media, streaming services, and digital platforms, the campaign tapped into the latest content and tech trends to deliver smart, eye-catching messaging across every season. It highlights the county’s diverse offerings, from snowy escapes to sun-drenched adventures, encouraging travel no matter the time of year.
Each year, the New York State Tourism Excellence Awards program honors exceptional achievements by New York’s destination marketing organizations, attractions and tourism professionals across a wide range of categories, including marketing, destination stewardship and leadership. The honorees for 2025 will be celebrated at a special ceremony and reception, hosted by Advance Media New York, on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Lake George, N.Y.
“We’re so proud to be recognized by the New York State Tourism Industry Association,” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism & Film. “It’s a reflection of the work we’ve done to spotlight everything that makes Orange County special — from our top attractions to our craft beverage scene, farm-to-table dining, and amazing places to stay. Through our partnership with Our Huddy Buddy, we’re also making sure that people of all abilities feel welcome and can enjoy everything we have to offer. And with our Four Seasons Campaign, we’re inviting visitors to explore the county year-round and create lasting memories. We’re just getting started when it comes to inclusion — there’s more to come.”
“The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of those who help shape and elevate New York State as a world-class travel destination,” remarked Greg LaDuca, Board Chair of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “These professionals and organizations play a vital role in strengthening our state’s economy and enhancing the visitor experience. We applaud this year’s honorees for their innovation, dedication, and impact.”
“Once again, both the quality and the quantity of the campaigns, initiatives, and projects nominated for the 2025 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards surpassed expectations,” observed Bob Provost, President of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. “The world-class work being done by New York’s tourism professionals contributes significantly to the trajectory of growth in New York’s visitor economy and deserves to be recognized.”
Find a list of the winners from across the state here.
About the New York State Tourism Industry Association
The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) is a member-driven, 501(c)6 nonprofit organization at the vanguard of transformational tourism marketing, stewardship and long-term strategic planning. We assist our members in advancing responsible economic growth, creating jobs, revitalizing communities, supporting small business success, and increasing state and local tax revenues in order to improve the standard of living, quality of life and pride of place for New York State communities and residents. We achieve these goals by facilitating the success of our members in realizing the economic potential of New York State’s tourism industry as a catalyst for collaborative initiatives, exceptional marketing programs, industry research and legislative awareness for the private sector of New York State’s tourism industry. www.nystia.org
About Orange County Tourism & Film
Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism and film production headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, events and film resources can be found at www.pickocny.com. Additionally, a fun, free, 60-page travel guide is available for digital download at pickocny.com/travel-guide/.
About Focus Media
Focus Media, Inc. is an award-winning, full-service public relations and marketing firm specializing in market research, branding, design, collateral development, TV and radio production, media planning and placement. Since launching the company in 2002, President and CEO Josh Sommers has assembled a highly talented team of marketing experts, public relations strategists and acclaimed graphic designers that have made Focus Media a preeminent advertising agency known for its creativity, innovation and cutting-edge marketing strategies. For more information, visit www.focusmediausa.com.
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