KINGSTON, N.Y. — County Executive Mike Hein is proud to announce that Ulster County Tourism has won the Service Industry Advertising (SIA) Design Gold Award for the County’s 2017/18 Travel Guide. It is the seventh year in a row that Ulster County Tourism’s Travel Guide has been honored with the nationally recognized award. 

The 68-page, full-color guide, which has been distributed across the country, highlights Ulster County’s many attributes as a travel destination. The award recognizes the publication’s use of strong graphics, photos and copywriting to showcase the County’s rich history, farm-to-table options, numerous events and activities, accommodations, culture and recreational opportunities.

“We are delighted that Ulster County Tourism has again been honored with the SIA Award for our Travel Guide,” County Executive Hein said. “Our annual Travel Guide invites visitors from New York State, the Northeast and across the United States to share in Ulster County’s natural beauty.  The creativity of the Travel Guide helps capture the amazing tapestry of events, places and people that make Ulster County a premier travel destination. Congratulations to everyone involved in developing it.”

The SIA Award is the only awards program to recognize advertising and marketing efforts in the service industry, specifically honoring creativity and communication that represents the very best the industry has to offer. There were more than 1,900 total entries in 2017. The awards recognize outstanding communications via print, television, radio, online media and social media.

The 2017/18 Ulster County Tourism Travel Guide, which also features a popular pullout map, provides information on the recreational, cultural, dining and lodging opportunities across the region. It includes engaging photos, crisp graphics, and an attractive layout, which all combine to offer a truly attention-grabbing guide for visitors to Ulster County. The cover features a beautiful photo from local photographer Steve Aaron of sunset at the Bear Hill Nature Preserve at Cragsmoor.

“Through our Travel Guide and various other marketing efforts, Ulster County Tourism is continuing to bring more people to our region,” Ulster County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder said. “This in turn, helps to strengthen our local economy.”

Located just 90-miles from Manhattan, Ulster County offers a wide array of recreational options like hiking, biking, swimming, rock climbing, horseback riding, golf and much more. It’s also home to a rich arts and cultural scene, including galleries, antique shops, theaters and museums, as well as a number of wineries, breweries and distilleries.

To view the 2017/18 Ulster County Tourism Travel Guide online, visit http://ulstercountyalive.com/ulster-county-tourism-guide.