Rail Marketing
Content Studio New York (CSNY) helps public agencies, private partners, and tourism organizations connect travelers to rail as a practical, enjoyable way to explore places. Led by Thomas Martinelli, CSNY develops magazine, digital, and video content that highlights how passenger rail links communities, visitor experiences, and regional growth.
For two decades, CSNY’s work on New York By Rail—Amtrak’s official magazine for New York State—has shown how compelling, service-minded storytelling can inspire real trips, repeat visits, and stronger destination awareness.
Trusted for his expertise and dynamic storytelling, Thomas Martinelli works extensively with public transit agencies, counties, advocacy groups, and communities to position passenger rail as a cornerstone of regional growth. He has extensive experience advising both the public and private sectors—including destination marketing organizations (DMOs), tourism promotion agencies (TPAs), and convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs)—to build campaigns that attract rail travelers and strengthen regional economies.
He has presented at numerous rail industry and tourism conferences, sharing his insights on content strategy, storytelling, and emerging best practices for connecting rail with tourism and community development.
Rail Marketing Expertise
Through expertly crafted content tailored to the passenger rail and tourism industries, Content Studio New York (CSNY) produces high-impact marketing materials including magazines, websites, blogs, e-newsletters, videos, and social media campaigns. Its collaborations span both the public and private sectors, with messaging designed to engage travelers and build long-term support for passenger rail.
CSNY’s work helps communities and transportation partners highlight how rail travel connects visitors to regional destinations. By integrating storytelling, digital content, and destination marketing, CSNY helps amplify the economic and cultural value of passenger rail in both rural and urban settings.
With a reputation for creating compelling content and actionable strategies has placed Martinelli in high demand with public transit agencies, DOTs, counties, advocacy organizations and regional/state tourism leaders.
CSNY and its Rail Marketing team strive to connect passenger rail, public transit, and tourism to attract travelers, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth.
Awards & Recognition
Content Studio New York (CSNY) has received multiple honors recognizing excellence in rail marketing and tourism promotion.
- APEX Award for Publication Excellence (2024/2025)
- New York State Tourism Excellence Award (2025) – Recognized for “Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs – Printed Materials” for the same milestone issue.
Both awards recognized the 20th Anniversary Issue of New York By Rail (2024/2025) for excellence in custom publishing and tourism marketing.
These awards reflect CSNY’s dedication to producing high-quality, audience-driven storytelling that connects communities, promotes passenger rail, and strengthens tourism across region.
Key Initiatives & Partnerships
Industry Recognition:
CSNY’s work was featured in the State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) publication, highlighting best practices in connecting state-supported routes with tourism marketing initiatives and passenger engagement strategies.
Industry Affiliations & Memberships
- AASHTO Council on Rail Transportation (CORT) – As an active member, Tom Martinelli collaborates with state DOT leaders, Amtrak partners, and advocacy organizations to advance the role of passenger rail in regional mobility and tourism development. Through CSNY, he helps illustrate how rail connects communities and economies, translating technical and policy achievements into stories that engage the public.
Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) – Director, supporting advocacy, communications, and public engagement statewide.
Rail Passengers Association (RPA) – Works closely with national advocacy leadership to align messaging and outreach on state-supported corridors.
Conference Presentations & Collaborations
CSNY works with passenger rail authorities, transit agencies, advocacy groups, DMOs, and regional initiatives to develop strategies that connect communities, promote sustainable transportation, and drive economic impact.
RailNation Tucson (2024) and RailNation San Antonio (2025) – Participated with national and local advocates to highlight passenger rail’s role in tourism, community development, and economic sustainability.
Greater Northwest Rail Summit (2024) – Spoke on strategies to attract leisure travelers through last-mile connections, tourism partnerships, and car-free travel solutions.
Passenger Rail Marketing Strategies – Partnered with Amtrak, NYSDOT, and regional rail leaders on award-winning marketing campaigns for New York By Rail, a multi-platform initiative spanning rail travel, attractions, and itineraries.
DMO Presentations To Niagara USA and Discover Albany stakeholders about car-free initiatives and all-inclusive travel packages that help destinations attract more rail customers.
- New York State Passenger Rail Symposium – Regular participant in statewide forums bringing together transportation leaders, policymakers, and advocates to strengthen passenger rail in New York.
Tom Martinelli
Tom Martinelli is Chief Content Officer of Content Studio New York (CSNY) and a recognized voice in passenger rail, tourism, and public transit marketing. With more than two decades of experience producing New York By Rail—Amtrak’s official magazine for New York State—he helps agencies and partners communicate the benefits of rail travel and community connectivity through storytelling, destination marketing, and media collaboration. Tom serves on the AASHTO Council on Rail Transportation, Rail Passengers Association Council of Representatives and the Empire State Passengers Association, supporting national and regional advocacy for sustainable mobility.
Kim Whittemore
Kim Whittemore is a communications and advocacy strategist specializing in passenger rail, sustainable tourism, and transit-oriented development. As Community Outreach and Engagement Director for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority and a member of the Rail Passengers Association Council of Representatives, she supports message alignment, stakeholder engagement, and policy communications across regional rail initiatives. Kim’s work connects storytelling and coalition-building with strategies that advance transportation planning, equity, and economic growth.
CSNY Rail Marketing Services
- Magazines
- Special Supplements & Brochures
- Websites
- E-Newsletters
- Videos
- Social Media
- Last-Mile Strategies
- All-Inclusive Travel Packages
- Train Itineraries
- Outreach & Advocacy
Website Development
Social Media Design and Management
E-Newsletters
Magazines
Videos
Awards
Join the Leaders Who Trust Thomas Martinelli and CSNY
Organizations including Amtrak, NYS DOT, AASHTO, Rail Passengers Association (RPA), PNWER, ESPA and other regional rail groups rely on Martinelli to create strategies that position passenger rail and public transit for unprecedented success.
Rail Marketing Services: Catering to the industry
