Monticello, NY – Sullivan County’s decision to reinvest visitor dollars back into its own communities now carries a statewide honor. This morning, Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) President & CEO Michael Martelon presented the 2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Award to Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz at the Legislature’s Economic Development Committee meeting.
The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) honored the County’s Tourism Grant Program in its Transformational Tourism Stewardship: Tourism Advocacy category. It was the only award of its kind given to a destination marketing organization in New York State this year.
“I am grateful to both my fellow legislators and the SCVA that we could collaborate to make this program a reality, and I’m thrilled NYSTIA recognized the impact we’re making together,” remarked Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz. “Our tourism industry is vital to the economic health and vitality of the entire County, and the Legislature and the SCVA will continue to work together to increase support and opportunities for that industry.”
The story behind it is a local one. The Sullivan County Legislature chose to direct lodging tax revenue, paid by overnight visitors, into a program that sends those dollars back to the businesses, events, and organizations that make our communities worth visiting. County staff helped shape it from day one, and SCVA stewards it. Sullivan County is the only county in New York running a grant program of this scale through its tourism promotion agency.
“Tourism is a bedrock industry in Sullivan County, and this has been true for almost all of our 200-year history,” said Sullivan County Planning Commissioner Heather Brown. “Having my own experience as part of a family who for decades welcomed thousands of tourists through a downtown business in Kauneonga Lake, I am very aware of the positive impact these grants would have in our communities. As a County leader, I was happy to be involved in this program.”
What comes next is already in motion. It's part of a broader shift across a visitor economy that has grown past $1 billion, built by residents, business owners, and local leaders who believe in what Sullivan County is becoming.
“Every dollar in this program starts with a visitor who chose to spend the night in Sullivan County,” said Michael Martelon, President & CEO of SCVA. “This award belongs here. We’re proud to steward the program and excited about where we take it next.”
About the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association
The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) is the official destination management organization for Sullivan County, New York, a place of unexpected balance where nature & culture, stillness & spark, and depth & play coexist. SCVA works to promote Sullivan County as a premier tourism destination, strengthen the region's visitor economy, and serve as a connector, convener, and champion for the communities, businesses, and people who make Sullivan County worth discovering.
15 Sullivan Avenue, Suite 1 | Liberty, NY 12754 | 845.747.4449 | SullivanCatskills.com
About the County of Sullivan
Founded in 1809, the County of Sullivan currently encompasses 15 townships, seven villages and more than 80,000 residents. Renowned for its hospitality and natural beauty amidst the splendor of the Catskill Mountains and the Delaware River, Sullivan County remains committed to cultivating a destination for rest, recreation, life and purpose.
