With the school year now officially over, the summer vacation season is underway. Governor Andrew Cuomo is hoping New Yorkers will spend their vacations enjoying some of the attractions the state has to offer.
Governor Cuomo officially opened the summer tourist season this weekend by inviting vacationers to take what he called the "ultimate road trip."
Cuomo traveled to Watkins Glen to unveil new roadside and video ads highlighting destinations from Niagara Falls to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. About 4,000 road signs across the state point travelers to various attractions.
Besides New Yorkers, Cuomo said he wants to attract tourists from across the country and around the world.
"A lot of people don't know about upstate New York. When they hear New York, they think New York City," Cuomo said. "New York City is great -- 50 million tourists a year. But we have more to offer."
Cuomo said New York offers travelers something unique.
"You can have an urban experience. Then, five hours away, you can have a beautiful rural experience," Cuomo said. "New York has the diversity you find in this country all in one state."
In 2013, Cuomo said New York's tourism industry generated direct spending of $59 billion. He said that translates into $7.5 billion in taxes.