Tourism Research & Development
Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways Market Trend Assessment
Saranac Lake (2009)
Report Links: WEB 
Links to the complete report and a detailed appendix are available on the page linked above (two-thirds down the page). Survey results from 328 detailed intercept surveys with visitors in Adirondack communities during late summer and fall, 2008. Through this one-of-a-kind, open-ended, qualitative survey process, we now understand reasons these representative visitors have come to the region for the first time, and perhaps more importantly, what brings them back year after year. We know what they consider most memorable about their Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways experiences, and what they would tell friends and family about the best parts of their visits. Equally important, we have their recommendations for ways to improve their Scenic Byways experiences, how they use the Internet and web sites for travel planning, and their level of awareness of Scenic Byways designations and programs. The Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways website was developed by Holmes & Associates and is managed in cooperation with the Adirondack North Country Association.
Lake Placid Bicycle Path Feasibility Study
Saranac Lake (2001)
Report Links: WEB
This project initiated work on a rails-with-trails project for developing of a ten-mile bicycle path linking the Upstate New York communities of Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. There is currently interest in the path within the two communities, but no single organization or entity has had the funding or the personnel to take the next steps towards path development. The grant filled that void and allowed ANCA to promote intercommunity cooperation on this significant improvement to the region's bicycling infrastructure. The bicycle path will provide residents and visitors - and especially families - an outstanding opportunity for birding, wildlife viewing and to simply enjoy bicycling along a route that offers a diversity of scenery and views. The project also funded development of a new regional Web site;BikeAdirondacks.org - providing bicycle tourism information and links to bicycle shops and other sources of information in the region. BikeAdirondacks.org is maintained and updated by Holmes & Associates.
Tourism Business, Community and Environment in the Adirondack Park
Adirondack Park (1999)
Report Links: WEB
The views of 258 local tourism business owners are analyzed in a study regarding the role that the natural environment and outdoor recreation play in the tourism economy of the central and western Adirondack Park. Businesses near Old Forge, Cranberry Lake, Tupper Lake, North Creek, Indian Lake, Speculator and other communities are the focus of the survey. Labor issues, the preferences of motivated entrepreneurs, and use of the Internet for business development assistance are all explored. The economic potential of water-based and winter outdoor recreation activities was highlighted by the business owners.
Adirondack North Country Bicycle Master Plan, Implementation
Adirondack North Country (1996)
Report Links:
The implementation phase of the Bicycle Master Plan described below. This work involves coordination of a 14 county bicycle and pedestrian promotion and marketing effort. The goals include improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the region, assisting in inter-county and regional cooperation in bicycle/pedestrian planning, and promotion of bicycle routes and trails to visitors and tourists.
Adirondack North Country Bicycle Master Plan
Adirondack North Country (1994)
Report Links: WEB
This year-long project resulted in a multi-purpose planning document, a GIS database, a bicycle-touring database that will contribute to developing the North Country region as the premier bicycling area in the Northeast. In the process of developing a comprehensive Bicycling Master Plan for the entire 14 county region, the study team accomplished the following: a inventory major corridors; compiled GIS data; reviewed nation-wide bicycling literature; surveyed a sample of bicyclists and a sample of lodging owners; develop recommendations for promoting bicycling in the region; and, produced a prototype regional bicycle map using the GIS database. This was a five-person study team effort.
Adirondack Forest Preserve Education Program Initiative Survey of Education and Information Providers in the Adirondack Region
Wildlife Conservation Society and the Adirondack Communities & Conservation Program (2001)
Report Links:
This survey of over 300 information providers inquires on the need for a more systematic and coordinated effort for educating the public about the Adirondack Forest Preserve and how to safely enjoy and protect it.
Tourism Marketing Plan
Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (2000)
Report Links: WEB
This Saranac Lake Tourism Marketing Plan was requested by Director of the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for use in planning for best use of revenue derived from the Essex County Occupancy Tax. Most community forums identifying the unique characteristics of Saranac Lake have highlighted the Village's recreational opportunities, community spirit, history and small town atmosphere. Drawing on those insights, the business community has identified three main themes for future promotion of the Saranac Lake area, specifically: Healthy and Historic Saranac Lake, Take the Path of Least Resistance, and A Place for Families in the Adirondacks. The Plan elaborates on those themes and identifies four specific tourism marketing initiatives to be achieved in the first year of what is proposed as a five-year tourism marketing effort for Essex County funded in large part by the occupancy tax.
Adirondack Tourism Market Conversion Survey
Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (2000)
Report Links:
Holmes & Associates performed computer analysis on the 964 completed surveys. A concise report highlighted visitor and non-visitor characteristics, along with the activities and preferences of those who did visit the Adirondacks in 1999.
