The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) is pouring its heart into promoting our award-winning destination to locals, neighbors, and both regional and domestic audiences. Over the past month, the SCVA team has been on a roll, teaming up with partners to shine a spotlight on the unique attractions that make our area so special.

Recent Events

Last month was particularly sizzling with the second annual Catskills Cuisine event at Bethel Woods over Mother’s Day weekend. This culinary extravaganza featured top celebrity chefs from the Food Network Channel and drew in a fantastic crowd. With over 1.5 billion impressions, the event reached an ad value of more than $14 million and was featured in prestigious publications like Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler. VIP guests included travel writers, influencers, and tour operators, all eager to share their exciting experiences and promote our region in upcoming national articles.

Just a week later, the SCVA hosted its Annual BBQ, offering members a chance to network and showcase their businesses. The tailgating setup allowed participants to discover new developments, reconnect with old friends, and forge new relationships—all while enjoying delicious BBQ in a relaxed setting.

Upcoming Events

June is set to be an exhilarating month! On Father’s Day weekend, the SCVA and the Liberty Chamber of Commerce will host the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS)-sanctioned contest. This mouth-watering event will feature the nation’s best barbecue pitmasters battling it out for glory and bragging rights. The weekend will also include “Drag Me to the Catskills,”celebrating Pride Month, a series of shows featuring celebrity drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race—promising unique and lively experiences for all attendees. Be sure to check the SCVA Calendar for a full list of events and mark your dates.

Strategic Initiatives

To stay ahead of trends and keep the competitive spirit alive, the SCVA is always proactive. Our dedicated staff will attend the Travel Alliance Partnership (TAP) trade show in Indiana, where they’ll promote the Sullivan Catskills to over 70 travel buyers. This event is an excellent opportunity to gain insights into industry trends and engage those eager for Sullivan Catskills adventures. These efforts are part of our strategic focus on attracting outside visitors, encouraging them to stay longer and spend more, thereby giving a significant boost to our local economy.

Community and Economic Impact

While local and regional visitors remain vital, drawing in outside visitors will undoubtedly elevate our area’s economy, ensuring the Sullivan Catskills continue to be a vibrant and thriving destination. The SCVA is leading the charge in promoting and enhancing our region, making it a must-visit for everyone. 

Stay tuned for new programming such as Dove Geo Caching and the Talk of the Town series in partnership with Bold Gold, where we will visit our villages and chat with local businesses. We’re also rolling out a monthly education program called Tuesday Talks, where we provide 30-minute updates on trends, marketing ideas, and new promotional opportunities. 

To learn more about upcoming events and how to join us, visit www.sullivancatskills.com.