Redesigning New York

The "I Love New York" campaign is seeking a firm to develop a new and innovative tourism Web site promoting New York State's attractions and events, according to an announcement made by Empire State

"Tourism is vital to New York State's economy and we continue to make investments and take steps that proactively showcase our outstanding destinations and vacation opportunities," Mr. Gargano said. "Under Governor Pataki we have made unprecedented investments in our efforts to promote New York State. We now are seeking a company that will help us use the World Wide Web to reach and inform visitors through a new I Love New York Web site."

Tourism has a significant impact on New York State's economy. In 2004, visitor spending in the state was up 6.5 percent, reaching an all-time high of more than $31 billion. Total number of visits increased 5 percent to more than 133 million, the highest number on record, according to a survey conducted by D.K. Shifflet and Associates Ltd., a leading travel-tourism research and consulting firm.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop New York State's tourism website, www.iloveny.com, appeared in the July 4 edition of the New York State Contract Reporter (www.nyscr.org). The selected firm will work with Empire State Development's Division of Tourism to create a site that will launch in 2005-2006.

Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. on Aug. 15. Qualified firms should e-mail or send a written request to obtain RFP 05-0001 by contacting Christopher Russo, assistant director of financial administration, New York State Department of Economic Development, 30 South Pearl St., Albany, N.Y., 12245, crusso@empire.state.ny.us.