AmericanStyle, a nationally distributed lifestyle magazine aimed at art enthusiasts and collectors, has named Buffalo one of the nation�s Top 10 Arts Destinations in its annual readers� poll for the third consecutive year. Buffalo ranked among such art world heavyweights as New York City, Santa Fe, Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

Votes were tallied from ballots inserted in the Winter 2003-2004 edition of the publication and submitted electronically to the AmericanStyle Web site. Readers were asked to list their top choices for arts travel destinations based on the richness and variety of visual arts sites, activities and events.

�This is very exciting news,� said Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Richard Geiger. �Not only is this ranking a reflection of the quality and variety of arts experiences available in Buffalo, but it�s a tribute to the passion of the people who took the time to vote in the readers� poll. Buffalonians feel a real pride of place and never miss an opportunity to act on behalf of the region.�

The Convention & Visitors Bureau, working in tandem with the Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County, was instrumental in getting local residents to cast a vote on behalf of Buffalo.

"Western New York's vast inventory of cultural and artists treasures is no longer one of our region's best-kept secrets," added Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra. "The word is out: AmericanStyle magazine has once again ranked Buffalo in the top ten. This ranking proves yet again that Buffalo has a wealth of world-class cultural attractions."

Results of the annual readers� poll are featured in the August issue of AmericanStyle magazine, available in most major bookstores. Virtual art tours of Top 25 Arts Destinations are available online at americanstyle.com.

The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau, as the marketing leader of the Buffalo Niagara hospitality industry, promotes our region worldwide as a convention, tourism, leisure, cultural tourism and business destination for the economic benefit of the community.

###

Media Contact: Nancy Vargo +1 716-852-0511 nvargo@buffalocvb.org