Tourism, welcome center officially opens in Greene County

LEEDS, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Greene County officials held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, celebrating the opening of its new tourism and welcome center at Exit 21. The remodel highlights all the county has to offer, while revitalizing underutilized properties at the exit.

"With tourism being the cornerstone of Greene County's economy, I can't overestimate the importance of consistent investments in this industry," James Hannahs, director of economic development, tourism & planning said on a Facebook post highlighting the opening. "The Great Northern Catskills has been a longstanding destination for travelers primarily due to its stunning natural features, accessibility, and proximity to major transit routes and areas of critical mass in the Northeast. Generations of resort owners, hospitality employees, retail shops, and ancillary businesses have heavily contributed to our County's economy, and continue to do so to this day."

The work started in 2016, as county officials purchased underutilized properties on the east and west sides of the New York State Thruway at Exit 21. Then, in 2017, an agreement was reached between the county and the owners of Stewart’s Shops to swap sites and create new facilities for both Stewart’s and the Greene County Tourism Visitor and Welcome Center.

The county’s visitor center was demolished in October 2023 to make room for the new Stewart’s, which opened last summer. Stewart’s then donated its old building and property for the visitor center.

"The goal was to create attractive, shovel-ready sites to entice dynamic businesses to arguably one of the most prominent areas for those entering and leaving the county," April Ernst, executive director of the Greene County IDA (industrial development authority), said.

The tourism center, however, is part of a larger revitalization effort by the county. According to Hannahs, this was one step of the project.

"We are so fortunate to have the ability to invest in this beautiful new building that sits prominently at Exit 21, where upcoming development projects will also welcome a new Hilton-brand hotel and a full-service restaurant," he said. "While this ribbon cutting is a significant victory for Greene County, it's only a piece of a larger redevelopment strategy focused on enhancing tourism accommodations."

According to officials, the project is key to bringing people to the Northern Catskills.

"I have been a supporter of this visitor center project," recalls Legislature Minority Leader Harry Lennon (Cairo, D). "This is the gateway to Greene County and showcases the amazing tourism destinations in the Great Northern Catskills.  It also enhances the route 23B corridor into Leeds. I am very proud to say I continue to focus on the types of projects that improve our communities, and every ribbon-cutting and grand-opening affirms that commitment."

"First impressions are extremely important," said Catskill Town Supervisor Patrick McCulloch. "When drivers get off the Thruway in Catskill, we want them to feel that our communities have a lot to offer, and are places where businesses thrive."

For a highlight of what the visitor's center will offer, or the tourism impact in Greene County, visit the tourism department's website. Travelers can also see what Greene County offers on the Great Northern Catskills' website.