State plans Finger Lakes tourism hub in Geneva

GENEVA--Gov. Andrew Cuomo has included a rebranding the Geneva visitors' center into a state-of-the-art Finger Lakes tourism hub in the fiscal year 2018 budget.
Last year, New York opened the Long Island Welcome Center--featuring a Taste NY store and showing visitors regional history, guiding travelers to new destinations and showcasing New York's food and beverage products. As tourism and agriculture are critical drivers of New York's economy, the state is bringing the concept of the Long Island Welcome Center to the Finger Lakes.
Under the governor's 2018 executive budget, New York will transform the Geneva visitors' center into a state-of-the-art Finger Lakes tourism hub. The 5,500 square foot Geneva welcome center will undergo a transformation of its interior and guide travelers in maximizing their experience in the region. The welcome center will feature I Love NY Kiosks with videos and directions to the Finger Lakes tourism destinations as well as a Taste NY gift shop showcasing wine, beer, cider and spirits sourced from across the Finger Lakes. To pay tribute to the Finger Lakes hometown and historical heroes, the state will also build a walk of fame leading up to the new welcome center, including George Eastman, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Abby Wambach.
The new Geneva Welcome Center will also include the following features:
• Solar-powered electric car charging stations.
• Outdoor picnic area.
• Modernized facilities and vending.
• Security cameras and lighting on the premises.
The new Finger Lakes Welcome Center is expected to open in fall 2017.