Madison County tourism officials have announced a rebranding of their promotional efforts in an effort to increase the number of visitors to the Central New York region.
Recently, the tourism organization changed the way it describes itself to “Visit Madison County, New York,” and that includes a total revamping of the agency’s website.
Kaytlynn Lynch is Executive Director for the tourism group, and she said that Madison County may be small in terms of population, but that’s part of what visitors like about it.
“That charm of these small-town communities and the welcoming business owners make these experiences unique to us, and just that slower pace of life that people are looking to kind of get away to,” said Lynch.
She noted that besides its natural beauty, Madison County hosts a number of events including an annual festival, Oz-Stravaganza, dedicated to Wizard of Oz creator and Chittenango native Frank Baum, and a major antiques show that is part of Madison-Bouckville Antique Week each August.
And Lynch said that Visit Madison County is also working to promote the county as a destination for people who want a picturesque setting for a wedding.
“They’re seeking that more pastoral, rural (setting) like rent a barn and rent a historic site…and all of the history there, and to make it a weekend getaway for your guests,” said Lynch.
Lynch said tourism is also a major revenue source for the county. She said Madison County generated more than $146 million in 2024 in the money spent by visitors, according to the most recent data.
While Madison County tourism and government officials are encouraging more visitors to come to that county for recreation and other events, Lynch did note the county already draws visitors from a wide geographic area, primarily along the Eastern seaboard.
But she added that events like Oz-Stravaganza have also attracted visitors from other countries including a travel writer who came from London to check out that festival.
“We’re starting to play in a bigger field, and we’re excited about that growth,” Lynch said.