Meet The Driving Force of Local Tourism - Cassandra Harrington

By Alexis Pencar

COOPERSTOWN — Leading the Team at Destination Marketing since 2017, Cassandra Harrington, is a true force to be reckoned with! Destination Marketing Corp. is the local organization responsible for actively marketing Schoharie and Otsego Counties for “the purpose of encouraging overnight visitations” in regards to tourism. They work directly with local, regional, and state tourism boards and more to accomplish these goals. This integral organization provides exposure and resources through websites and social media including community highlights, while also providing new business to the local area!

In an exclusive interview, Harrington offered her unique journey and investment to the area as well as the exciting most recent accomplishments. Currently the President & CEO of Destination Marketing Corp., she is also committed to many other related positions such as: Chair of the Board of New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), President of Central New York Vacation Region, and Team Captain of New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail.

Originally from the Finger Lakes Region, Harrington started her career in the wine industry, with notable contributions to America’s First Wine Trail and Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. Moving to Cooperstown in 2017, specifically for the Destination Marketing CEO job opportunity, was a big step away from home and family, driving identity. In her new town, Harrington got involved within the community, helping to organize events and local happenings outside of Destination.

With numerous volunteer positions, many in leadership, Harrington is able to ensure our Central New York region is seen and heard ‘at the table’ for bigger picture talks. An example of this representation is Harrington’s recent promotion to Chair of the Board of New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) as well as serving on the Board of Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council. These additional roles validate the expertise and skill Harrington is able to provide and more.

With a true commitment to our area, Harrington has made it clear through her many actions, that this is a long-term investment. When initially taking on the position, Destination covered Otsego County only, and thanks to Harrington, they were able to expand coverage into Schoharie County in November of 2019, creating quite the accomplished track record since. Whether it be ideas for things to do, places to stay, or upcoming events, this platform gets the word out for those planning to visit either area via comprehensive websites and/or various social media accounts like Visit Schoharie County, This Is Cooperstown, and Let’s Go Otsego.

One of the most recent accomplishments, with Harrington as the Team Captain, is the New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail. This completed project provides an extensive website of resources, maps, and so much more for paddlers and anglers of all abilities along exciting waterways from Cooperstown to Corning, which is southwest of the Fingerlakes! Among the many collaborations along the 190 miles of waterways to make this happen, this project is also in partnership with technical assistance and support from the National Park Service - Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. This new attraction is meant for locals and visitors alike, even providing section routes for those hoping to explore an area just for the day.

Since 2017, Harrington has put the best foot forward, continuing to prove her commitment and proficiency, while supplying so much coverage and exposure as a whole. This is proof that the trajectory of an area and the efforts of one, can certainly correlate when it comes to change. Cassandra Harrington has more than positively contributed in ways that are often unseen but felt through the community each day.

With more growth and strategies to come, rest assured, with Harrington at the helm, not only do we all have an advocate fighting for us, but that Destination Marketing will continue to lead the charge on tourism for Central New York. Look out for more exciting updates, projects, and more for Schoharie and Otsego Counties from the Team at Destination Marketing Corp.