The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce and East Shore Marketing have been recognized with 2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards for their work on The Catharine Valley Trail Experience Project.
The awards were announced Wednesday by the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), which annually honors outstanding achievements by destination marketing organizations, attractions, and tourism professionals across the state. Winners will be recognized during a ceremony on September 17 in Corning.
The Catharine Valley Trail Experience Project was honored for its creative work, including trail signage, brochures, printed materials, and overall branding designed to promote the popular recreational corridor.
“The Catharine Valley Trail Experience project has been an amazing collaboration between the Chamber, East Shore Marketing, the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail, and New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation,” said Nigar Hale, executive director of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. “To be recognized by NYSTIA for the project’s signage, brochures, printed materials, and overall creative work is a tremendous honor.”
Hale said the awards recognize the creativity and collaboration behind the project and demonstrate what organizations can accomplish by working together to strengthen the region.
East Shore Marketing founder Paula Tarallo said the recognition highlights the value of thoughtful design and regional partnerships.
“We are incredibly honored to receive two NYSTIA Tourism Excellence Awards for The Catharine Valley Trail Experience Project,” Tarallo said. “Collaborating with the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce to bring this project to life was a deeply rewarding creative journey for our team.”
The annual Tourism Excellence Awards recognize accomplishments in tourism marketing, destination stewardship, leadership, and community engagement. Winners are selected through a competitive review process by a panel of tourism industry professionals from across New York.
This year’s awards feature several updated categories designed to recognize a broader range of tourism initiatives, including creative marketing, destination development, community engagement, tourism advocacy, and workforce development.
NYSTIA President Bob Provost said the awards reflect the growing sophistication of New York’s tourism industry and the important role tourism plays in communities across the state.
