Relates to the thruway authority installing local attraction videos at service areas along the thruway system

Summary of provisions

Section One amends the Public Authorities Law by adding a new Section 361-d. Subsection One provides for definitions related to local attraction videos. Subsection Two authorizes the Thru- way Authority to design, construct, install, operate and/or maintain, or contract for the same, of kiosks and local attraction videos at service areas along the controlled system. Such kiosks and local attraction videos shall be installed and operating according to the following sche- dule:

(a) at twenty-five percent of the service areas on the controlled system no later than June thirtieth, two thousand twelve;

(b) at fifty percent of the service areas on the controlled system no later than June thirtieth, two thousand thirteen;

(c) at seventy-five percent of the service areas on the controlled system no later than June thirtieth, two thousand fourteen;

(d) at one hundred percent of the service areas on the controlled system no later than June thirtieth, two thousand fifteen. Subsection Three authorizes the Thruway Authority to charge a fee to those businesses and other groups who wish to be part of the local attraction video, along the thruway system.

Justification

Tourism, the second largest industry in New York State, employs over 750,000 with travel expenditures now exceeding $35 billion annually, To retain and expand on this business activity, the State conducts promotional campaigns advertising attractions and services to potential visitors. These marketing efforts, conducted in cooperation with county-based Tourist Promotion Agencies, and private sector part- ners, include automobile touring programs.

A significant target market for automobile touring is the current customer base of the New York State Thruway, a primary route for travel within the State and transiting New York. The Thruway Authority reports that in 1999, a record 248 million vehicles traveled more than 8.3 billion miles on the system. The Thruway, most of which is limited access, has 27 travel plazas offering food, fuel and other services.

While tourism information centers are located at several travel plazas, they may be seasonal in nature and/or operate only during limited hours, and require a traveler to make an active decision to seek information. A program of distinctive local attraction videos, played continuously at each travel plaza, would provide an opportunity to direct information to current tourists and potential future visitors while taking a break from their trip. Displayed in the common areas of travel plazas, such videos would enable travelers to be passively advised by the local industry of special events, unique attractions and useful services of interest to visitors. This legislation authorizes and directs the New York State Thruway Authority, in cooperation with the NYS Department of Economic Development and local Tourist Promotion Agencies to develop such videos, and offset costs by charging fees for advertising or sponsorship. These videos will provide a useful compliment to existing marketing efforts, add to the visitor experience at travel plazas and enhance cooperation and planning between State and local promotional authorities.

Legislative history

A.8522-A of 2001-2002 - Reported to Ways and Means Committee. A.900 of 2003/2004 - Passed Assembly. A.1166 of 2005/2005 - Passed Assembly. A.445/S.7248 of 2007/2008 - Passed Assembly. A.1951/S.3074 of 2009/2010 - Passed Assembly - Died in Senate

Fiscal implications

The New York State Thruway Authority is authorized to solicit advertising and sponsorship fees to offset costs associated with local attraction videos.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.