Press Release

Tourism roundtable with Delgado

Posted 8/26/20

U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) joined a roundtable discussion at Sullivan Catskills on the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry in Sullivan County. The conversation focused on businesses’ experiences with phased reopening

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Press Release

Tourism roundtable with Delgado

Posted

LIBERTY, NY — U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado (NY-19) joined a roundtable discussion at Sullivan Catskills on the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry in Sullivan County. The conversation focused on businesses’ experiences with phased reopening, and the urgent need for state and local funding from the federal government to support counties that rely heavily on tourism. Participants in the August 25 roundtable included: Roberta Byron-Lockwood, President/CEO of Sullivan Catskills, Rich Mayfield, NYS Director of New York at USDA Rural Development, as well as representatives from Prohibition Distillery, Forestburgh Playhouse, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Kartrite Hotel and Indoor Waterpark, Resorts World Catskills, Villa Roma Resort, Foster Supply Hospitality, and Lander’s River Trips.

“The Catskill Mountains are a national treasure and I am proud to work with Sullivan Catskills and local partners who have created a rich environment for businesses to grow and showcase all Sullivan County has to offer. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an inordinate impact on the tourism industry—the effects of which are felt by small businesses, the transportation sector, and our regional economy. I was glad to join today’s roundtable to hear from business leaders about how they’re responding to limitations on reopening and travel, and preparing to keep employees and customers safe once their businesses are able to reopen,” said Delgado. “I will not stop calling on congressional leaders to come to an agreement on urgently needed state and local funding, as well as emergency support for the hospitality and tourism industry, both of which will help our Sullivan County businesses to stay afloat throughout this global health crisis.”

“I applaud Congressman Delgado for taking the time to discuss with key tourism leaders in the Sullivan Catskills how to move forward despite the limitations COVID-19 has imposed on our industry. His willingness to listen to his constituents and hear their essentials for recovery is promising,” said Byron-Lockwood. “His assurance of working with us and commitment to doing everything possible to bring us back to one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in New York State is promising. Our businesses are resilient, hardworking, and devoted.  Therefore, I am confident that with the support of Congressman Delgado, we will recover quicker, stronger and be more prepared for rebuilding our local economy."

“Congressman Delgado’s roundtable was a great opportunity for our local business leaders to come together to share their challenges we are working through during COVID-19. It is great to know we have someone fighting in DC for our local needs,” said Brian Facquet, Owner, Prohibition Distillery

In May, Rep. Delgado voted to pass the Heroes Act, comprehensive legislation that includes Delgado’s Direct Support for Communities Act; a bipartisan, bicameral proposal to ensure counties, cities, towns and villages of all sizes can access urgently needed federal funds. The Heroes Act also modifies the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to allow all non-profits, including tourism bureaus and destination marketing organizations, to apply for these funds.

Antonio Delgado, Sullivan Catskills, tourism

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