Whiteface Visitors Bureau Director Michelle Preston, right, gives information to attendees of the Adirondack Sports Summer Expo in Saratoga Springs in March. (Provided photo)

LAKE PLACID — Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism staff have recently participated in three travel shows to promote visitation, share information about communities throughout the Adirondacks and showcase activities, events and attractions throughout the region.

The team attended travel shows in New York City, Saratoga and Ottawa. These events are an important part of ROOST’s outreach effort, allowing the organization to share information with travelers and media outlets within the Adirondack region’s target markets.

Each travel show featured a lineup of destination representatives, panel discussions, exhibitors and industry experts.

At the New York Travel and Adventure Show, the state’s largest travel show with more than 30,000 attendees each year, ROOST represented the Adirondack region amid hundreds of worldwide destinations and vacation options.

“Participation in travel shows allows us to directly engage with travelers and industry stakeholders, while showcasing the unique attractions and travel opportunities in the Adirondacks,” ROOST Director of Marketing Michelle Clement said in a statement. “It’s a chance to connect on a personal level, sharing insights about less-frequently traveled areas, information about outdoor activities across the various regions of the park, and to showcase local culture, history and events. This engagement builds relationships with potential travelers and ignites enthusiasm about all that the region has to offer.”

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Special Projects Coordinator Buzzy Rickard, left, gives information to attendees of the Adirondack Sports Summer Expo in Saratoga Springs in March. (Provided photo)

ROOST also participated in the Adirondack Sports Summer Expo held on March 16-17 at the Saratoga Springs City Center. With more than 200 exhibitors and 8,000 attendees, this event provided ROOST with a platform to connect with adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Capital Region.

Expanding its reach beyond state borders, ROOST made its way to the capital of Canada in early April to participate in the Ottawa Travel and Adventure Show at the Shaw Convention Center.

“The Adirondacks are a short drive from Ottawa, making it a convenient getaway,” Clement said.

ROOST Chief Operating Officer Mary Jane Lawrence outlined ROOST’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism.

“Our staff provides educational resources to promote responsible tourism, supports and promotes regional events, collaborates with local businesses and actively participates in conservation efforts aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the Adirondack region,” she said. “Marketing efforts at travel shows present a unique opportunity to ensure that visitors are well-informed about these initiatives, encouraging their engagement in responsible and sustainable travel practices. Travel shows are crucial for promoting regional businesses and events. It is also an opportunity to educate and encourage responsible and sustainable travel to ensure the protection of our natural resources.”

Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism staff pose during the New York Travel and Adventure Show. From left are Sydney Aveson, Isabelle Bureau and Glenn Pareira. (Provided photo)

ROOST is the destination marketing and management organization for Essex and Hamilton counties and Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.