Many New Yorkers this time of year are turning their attention to the travel season. The travel industry is a massive generator of income in the state. According to the Empire State Development, it's a $79 billion industry and supports 7% of all jobs in the state. That makes it the third-largest employment sector in the state.

Mark Dorr, president of the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, joins Marisa Jacques to talk more about how the industry as a whole is currently doing.

Dorr says the industry is very strong, but one of the difficult things impacting many is pricing.

"Hotels, parks, and attractions have really been trying to crack down on their pricing to allow families to travel," he said. 

Dorr says many in the industry are trying to add or offer free entertainment as an extra incentive to get people and families to spend their time and money. 

He also spoke on some of the big issues that have impacted the industry over the last few years. This includes hiring, educating the public and efforts to regulate the short-term rental market.

Dorr says if you are planning a trip, make sure to go to the regional convention and visitor’s bureau, as they have all the resources from hotels to attractions to amusement parks. They can held with building your trip, pricing and budgeting. 

You can watch the full interview with Dorr in the video above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York, on In Focus — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.