UTICA — Oneida County Tourism President Kelly Blazosky has been appointed to the New York State Tourism Advisory Council by Gov. Kathy Hochul to represent Oneida County and the Central New York ILNY Vacation Region.

The council consists of appointed tourism professionals committed to supporting the tourism industry in the state and advising the state’s Division of Tourism to help encourage economic growth through visitation.

“We had our first meeting in Albany last week,” Blazosky said. “My role is contributing information about Central New York, the development of products, and identifying ways Central New York can connect with initiatives by I Love New York.”

Since 2009, Blazosky has led the promotion of Oneida County as Central New York’s Getaway Region generating positive economic and social impacts for its communities through encouraging travel. Oneida County Tourism attracts visitors through active public relations and strategic marketing across multiple industry sectors, including leisure, meetings, sports, travel trade, and film/tv production.

At her first meeting, Blazosky said she was tasked with providing an overview of Central New York.

“I showed the diversity of Central New York, from outdoor adventure to family travel, events, exhibitions, and more all across the region,” she said. “And at the end, there were quite a few comments from the council that they didn’t know [Central New York offered that] or that they learned something new about the region.”

Under Blazosky’s leadership, tourism marketing activations for Oneida County have been recognized with awards for Excellence in Tourism Marketing and Recovery/Resurgence campaigns from the New York State Tourism Industry Association as well as a National Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA. Industry recognition for Central New York under Blazosky’s leadership includes 10 Communicator Awards, a coveted Telly Award for Brew Central’s web video series, and a Brand and Integrated Marketing Award from the U S Travel Association.

“Kelly is a well-respected and dynamic leader of Oneida County’s tourism industry and the greater Central New York Tourism Region,” Oneida County Tourism Board Chair Lee Arthur, general manager of Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica, said. “Her creative and proven expertise in destination marketing, not-for-profit management, and industry advocacy will be an asset to the Tourism Advisory Council. Our board of directors is honored and supports her appointment by Governor Hochul.”

“Oneida County and Central New York are blessed with an abundance of amazing natural assets, welcoming communities, and visitor experiences,” Blazosky said. “I’m honored to be appointed to the state’s Tourism Advisory Council and support the state’s tourism promotional efforts.”

Over her 23-year career in the travel and tourism industry in the states of New York and Ohio, Blazosky’s leadership roles include:

• NYS Destination Marketing Organizations, 2009-present; president 2017, 2018
• NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association, NYSDMO board rep 2017-2018
• Central NY Vacation Region, 2009-present; president 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022
• NYS Tourism Industry Association, board of directors
• Canal New York, board of directors
• Adirondack North Country Association, board of directors
• SKAL International Albany Chapter, member
• Ohio Association of CVBs, board of directors
• Ohio Travel Association, board of directors
• Ohio’s Appalachian Country, board of directors
• Ohio Governor’s Travel Council advisory board  

Blazosky’s term on the New York State Tourism Advisory Council is effective to Jan. 11, 2025.