CHENANGO COUNTY - Citing features that may be a draw for folks when other travel plans and events have been derailed by coronavirus, Commerce Chenango’s tourism arm is spreading the message that Chenango County has what travelers want.

In fact, Commerce Chenango is one of the few remaining agencies in the state still actively promoting tourism when it seems that everything has come to a standstill, selling the idea that “when it’s time, we have what you are looking for.”

“When you’re ready, we’re here,” said Commerce Chenango President and CEO Kerri Green. “That’s been our theme this year.”

Green spoke on the issue of tourism at a meeting of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors on Monday, detailing to county officials how her organization is bating tourists in the age of COVID-19.

The lingering challenges are obvious, Green said. People are afraid to travel. And events that typically draw visitors to Chenango County - events like Blues Fest, Colorscape, and the Canoe Ragada - have all been canceled, leaving the travel industry and the entire local economy scrambling.

“But we really saw this as an advantage. I feel like we here in Chenango County have the resources to give somebody something that lets them stay local this year,” said Green. “You can’t go away, so stay local. Come out for a hike, come out for a picnic. Come out for a bike ride.”