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Seneca Nation Develops New Office to Drive Visitor Economy

Seneca Nation’s opening of a Visitor Economy Management Office marks renewed focus on strategies for economic development through tourism

Allegany Territory, Salamanca, NY— April 2022

The Seneca Nation ushered in a renewed focus on growth in sustainably managed tourism with the opening of the newly formed Visitor Economy Management Office (VEMO). Housed in the Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center (Seneca-Iroquois National Museum) this new office welcomed Kortney Keyes, Manager, in February. Keyes will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, establishment and growth of the office, and will ultimately serve as the central communicator for the visitor economy. She joins the office with strong interpersonal skills and a background in hospitality and restaurant management.

“I feel humbled and inspired by this opportunity to serve the Seneca Nation in this role,” Keyes said. “I can see there is a bright future ahead and I can’t wait to help make that happen.”

The newly formed Visitor Economy Management Office will steward, promote and provide education about the entire economy connected to tourism and visitation to the Seneca Nation. Where tourism strategies tend to focus on the visitor and their needs, a visitor economy office focuses on local residents and how every strategy benefits the local resident first. The office’s focus is to create strategies that grow small business success, foster community revitalization, build pride of culture, grow employment, including youth employment, further develop quality of life, aid in cultural preservation, and drive increased revenue in existing properties.

“The Seneca Nation sees that the time is now to build and (Continued on next page) steward a thriving economy through smart tourism and visitor strategies,” said Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels. “Our goal, through the work and leadership of VEMO, is to deliver impactful, attractive experiences for visitors in a way that supports and grows local economic activity and further strengthens our Seneca economy.”

Pre-pandemic, the visitor economy represented a $117-billion industry in nearby New York State, accounting for nearly 1 in 10 jobs, and rose to the third-largest industry. The Seneca Nation sees the need to bring its share of the rapidly growing “Drive market” across the East Coast, as well as laying foundations for long haul international markets, destination sports and event tourism, and the motor coach bus market. “VEMO’s main priority is to promote the Seneca Nation’s tourism, recreational, cultural, and historical attractions, along with the local goods and services, all in coordination with public and private sector partners. Tourism is a significant driver of economic and social development.” states Councillor Josh Jimerson.

The Seneca Nation can expect partnerships with local and state tourism offices with its sights set on international connections. The Seneca Nation is already represented at the New York State Tourism Industry Association and American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. Aiding in the creation of a Destination Assessment and Destination Tourism Plan, Josiah Brown, from Famous Destination Marketing, has lent resources and expertise to the Nation for a successful launch of the new VEMO and will provide foundational support as the office builds.

“I have rarely seen so much opportunity for sustainable economic growth as I have here in the Seneca Nation,” Brown said. “Welcoming visitors builds economic success and at the same time builds cultural strength and security into the future.”