The Finger Lakes region of New York, a place of stunning natural beauty sculpted by ancient glaciers, has long been a beloved secret among locals. However, its allure is now extending far beyond its immediate borders, drawing visitors keen to explore its unique landscapes. Recognized as a potential climate sanctuary, this area offers diverse outdoor adventures throughout the year and boasts abundant local produce. As the number of tourists grows, the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council has strategically partnered with GLP Films. This collaboration aims to redefine the region's brand within the realm of sustainable tourism, culminating in a comprehensive 'Outdoor Experiences' campaign. This initiative represents a significant commitment to preserving the region's natural integrity while fostering a thriving, responsible tourism economy.

A defining aspect of this campaign is its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. GLP Films extensively engaged with local stakeholders, gathering insights into what stewardship means for their land, livelihoods, and communities. The campaign's success is not just measured by visitor numbers but by its tangible contributions back to the region, embodied by the 'Local Lift' program. This innovative approach ensures that the content created directly benefits local businesses and communities. Furthermore, a pivotal outcome of this collaborative effort is the establishment of a monumental partnership between the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council and Leave No Trace, a renowned leader in outdoor ethics. This alliance has created the largest contiguous multi-county Leave No Trace Community Partnership in the United States, fostering a consistent and credible message for responsible recreation across the entire region. This unified strategy is crucial for protecting the interconnected lands and waterways and ensuring that visitors receive clear guidance on preserving this natural treasure.

Nurturing Local Communities Through Tourism

The "Local Lift" initiative within the Finger Lakes Outdoor Experiences campaign exemplifies a powerful approach to ensuring that tourism benefits the very communities that define a destination's unique character. By providing local businesses with free access to high-quality photo and video assets, the program empowers them to effectively tell their stories and promote responsible tourism practices. This strategic sharing of resources moves beyond traditional promotional models, directly investing in the local economy and fostering a sense of ownership among residents.

The essence of the "Local Lift" philosophy is beautifully simple yet profoundly impactful: those who shape a destination should directly reap the rewards of its exposure to the world. In the Finger Lakes, this translates into tangible support for local enterprises. Instead of merely trickling down benefits, the campaign proactively equips local stakeholders with professional-grade content. This powerful toolkit enables them to amplify their own outreach efforts, attract visitors who align with the region's values, and contribute to a shared narrative of sustainable growth. Beyond content distribution, the program includes workshops that train stakeholders in effective marketing strategies, values-driven storytelling, and the critical integration of Leave No Trace principles, fostering a more cohesive and responsible tourism ecosystem.

Building a Foundation for Regional Stewardship

The collaboration between the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council and Leave No Trace represents a monumental step towards comprehensive regional stewardship. This partnership, which began as a conversation about sustainability, has blossomed into a full-scale commitment, with the FLRTC and all 14 member county Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) officially joining as Leave No Trace Community Partners. This unified front covers over five million acres, making it the largest connected multi-county Leave No Trace Community Partnership in the U.S.

This groundbreaking alliance provides a consistent and credible framework for the region's stewardship messaging. Leveraging science-backed and widely recognized principles, the partnership empowers each county to promote responsible outdoor recreation while contributing to a cohesive ethos that transcends administrative boundaries. More than a symbolic gesture, this commitment translates into practical training, ongoing support, and invaluable resources that assist local leaders in implementing Leave No Trace principles effectively on the ground. This collaborative model not only strengthens the region's capacity for environmental protection but also serves as a blueprint for other destinations grappling with the balance between tourism growth and ecological preservation.