Ulster County Sustainable Tourism Plan

Sustainable tourism is about creating a balance — ensuring that the visitors who discover Ulster County’s beauty today help preserve it for generations to come.

It’s an approach that protects our natural landscapes, celebrates local culture, and strengthens the communities that make this region so special.

At its heart, sustainable tourism means traveling thoughtfully: supporting local businesses, reducing environmental impacts, and honoring the heritage and character of each town, trail, and Main Street. By working together to grow tourism responsibly, Ulster County can continue to offer authentic, memorable experiences while protecting the very places that make this destination unlike any other.

Join us at one of Ulster County Tourism's upcoming public forums to share your insights, shape the future of sustainable tourism, and ensure our community thrives for generations to come.

A blueprint for growing our tourism economy while protecting what makes it unique

To guide this effort, Ulster County is partnering with Beyond Green Travel to develop a Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan — a long-term roadmap that will set the vision and priorities for how the county grows its tourism economy while protecting what makes it unique. The plan will identify strategies to strengthen local businesses, enhance transportation and accessibility, reduce environmental impacts, and preserve Ulster County’s distinctive character — from its mountain trails and river towns to its arts, farms, and historic sites.

Developed through collaboration with residents, community leaders, and tourism partners, the Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan will serve as a blueprint for building a thriving, year-round tourism economy that benefits both visitors and the people who call Ulster County home.

Public Input Sessions

As part of this process, Ulster County Tourism will host three public input sessions to gather ideas and feedback from residents, business owners, and stakeholders across the county. The sessions will be held:

• Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM – Reformed Church of New Paltz, Fireside Room, 92 Huguenot Street, New Paltz
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Marlborough Community Center, Community Room, 1520 Route 9W, Marlboro
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM – Catskill Visitors Center, 5096 Route 28, Mount Tremper

All are welcome to attend and share their perspectives on how Ulster County can continue to grow tourism in ways that support local communities and preserve the natural and cultural treasures that define the region.

Can't attend an in-person session? Please share your thoughts in the guestbook below.