BUFFALO, N.Y., July 2, 2009 – AAA Western and Central New York presented the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel with their third consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award this morning. One of AAA’s highest honors, the Four Diamond Award honors excellence in hospitality and acknowledges the recipients’ contribution to the state’s travel and tourism industry.

“AAA Four Diamond Award winners are an elite group, committed to providing a luxury experience, superior service, and an extensive selection of amenities,” said Wally Smith, Vice President for AAA Western and Central New York. “AAA is pleased to honor Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and thank them for their contribution to travel and tourism in Western New York.”

Travel and tourism is one of the state’s leading industries, employing over 756,000 with an annual payroll of $13 billion, according to the New York State Department of Economic Development. Each year, travelers spend $37 billion in New York State.

Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is one of only 17 AAA Four Diamond properties in Upstate New York, one of 41 throughout the state, and one of two in Western New York; the other is The Mansion on Delaware Avenue.

The AAA Four Diamond symbol will be included in Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel’s listing in the 2009 AAA New York State TourBook® guide, in print and online at AAA.com. AAA’s 51 million members depend upon TourBook information to assist them with their travel-related decisions.

AAA began field inspections of lodgings and restaurants in 1937. This early evaluation system evolved into the AAA Diamond Rating System for lodgings in 1976 and for restaurants in 1986. For more information on the diamond rating system, please visit www.AAA.com/diamonds.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.