A Farewell Message from the Director of Tour Cayuga

Karen Kühl

Dear Residents and Business Owners of Cayuga County,

It has been my honor to serve as the Executive Director of Tour Cayuga for nearly seven years. As I prepare to step away from this role, I want to take a moment to thank you for welcoming me into your communities, sharing your stories, and trusting me to represent this remarkable county.

Over these years, I have traveled throughout the County, along our country roads, down our main streets, to our farms, shops, and lakes, and into your restaurants, museums, and festivals. What I have loved most is not just the places, but the people. Getting to know you, hearing about your challenges, celebrating your successes, and seeing the pride you take in your work has been the greatest gift of this job. Those personal connections will stay with me always.

Tourism is often thought of as something designed just for visitors. But the truth is that tourism supports residents first. Every time a traveler enjoys a meal in one of our restaurants, books a stay at a local inn, shops at a small business, or discovers our history, they are helping strengthen our communities. Tourism brings dollars into our neighborhoods, supports local jobs, and adds to the quality of life we all share. When visitors love Cayuga County, it helps us build a stronger home for ourselves. That is the heart of what we call Our Cayuga, a county we share with pride, and one that belongs to all of us.

That is why it is so important that we, as residents, show off Our Cayuga with pride. The soil is different here! Our farms, our waters, our heritage, and our people give us a story worth sharing. We should invite our friends and families to visit us in Cayuga County and encourage the associations and organizations we belong to hold their annual meetings or conferences right here at home. And remember, our office is here to help you show off your hometown. By supporting our locally owned businesses, investing in our communities, and keeping our county welcoming and strong, we improve life not only for visitors but for ourselves.

Through this work, I’ve discovered how deeply connected we are to the larger New York State tourism family. Each community has its own story, but we are united in helping one another succeed. In times of challenge, from the pandemic to shifting trends and technology of running small businesses, our peers across the state have shown remarkable generosity and collaboration. That cooperative spirit not only strengthens New York tourism, it has given Cayuga County the chance to shine as part of something bigger than ourselves.

The support of the Cayuga County Legislature has also played a key role in this work. Our legislators recognize that tourism is not just about marketing, but about stewardship and long-term community benefit. Their commitment has allowed Tour Cayuga to highlight our county’s strengths while laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Their support ensures that tourism continues to serve both residents and visitors alike.

To our tourism partners: I thank you especially. Your creativity, resilience, and hospitality have inspired me every single day. From women-owned businesses breaking new ground, to farmers opening their fields to visitors, to innkeepers, brewers, and shopkeepers pouring their hearts into their work, you are the backbone of tourism in Our Cayuga. It has been my joy to help tell your stories, and I know Tour Cayuga will continue to lift up your voices.

As I move on to my next adventure, I remain your biggest cheerleader. I encourage every resident, business, and community leader to keep working with pride, passion, and a welcoming spirit. Cayuga County has all the right pieces, natural beauty, rich history, dedicated businesses, and strong community spirit. When we come together to show off Our Cayuga, we all benefit.

And finally, I want to assure you that Tour Cayuga will continue to thrive. Courtney Kasper has been a strong ally in this work, and she will be a phenomenal Executive Director. Her vision is community-focused and county-wide, committed to ensuring that every town, village, and business benefits from tourism. She will carry forward the important mission of making sure that tourism supports residents and locally owned businesses. Please reach out to Courtney at Tour Cayuga and continue to support the vital work we do together to grow Our Cayuga.

With gratitude and love for Cayuga County,
Karen Kühl
Executive Director, Tour Cayuga

About the Cayuga County Office of Tourism:
The Cayuga County Office Convention and Visitors Bureau Inc. was established in 1995 as Cayuga County’s official tourism promotion agency. Our mission is to promote, support, and increase tourism, thereby stimulating economic growth and improving the quality of life for area residents.