Governor Cuomo Announces Economic Impact of New York State Tourism Achieves Historic $104.8 Billion
239 Million Visitors Traveled to New York State Supporting Impact of More Than $100 Billion for Third Straight Year
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that New York State's
tourism industry set new records for total number of visitors, economic
impact and direct spending in 2016. Last year, a record 239 million visitors
traveled to New York State, generating an economic impact of $104.8 billion
– exceeding $100 billion for the third straight year. In addition,
visitors generated an all-time high $64.8 billion in direct spending.
These figures each represent a nearly three percent increase over 2015,
supported by the governor's unprecedented investments in the state’s
booming tourism industry.
"New York's rich culture, diverse history, scenic beauty and
outdoor reactional opportunities are second to none,"
Governor Cuomo said. "With a record $104.8 billion economic impact, New York’s tourism
industry is stronger than ever before and as we continue to invest in
the success of world-class destinations and attractions found at every
corner of the state, more and more visitors will come to experience everything
New York has to offer."
Tourism statistics were provided by
Tourism Economics, an internationally recognized travel data firm, using the Impact Analysis
for Planning (IMPLAN) input-output model for New York State, utilized
worldwide by governments, universities, and public and private sector
organizations. The model follows the flow of sales through the economy
to the generation of GDP, employment, wages and taxes.
Economic Impact: $104.8 billion
The total economic of tourism statewide reached a record $104.8 billion,
exceeding $100 billion for the third straight year, an increase of nearly
$18 billion compared to 2011.
Direct Spending: $64.8 billion
Visitors to New York State in 2016 generated $64.8 billion in direct spending,
nearly three percent higher than in 2015, and almost $11 billion more
than in 2011.
State and Local Taxes: $8.2 billion
New York State tourism generated $8.2 billion in state and local taxes
in 2016, a nearly three percent increase over 2015, saving each household
an average of $1,133 in taxes.
Employment: 914,000
Tourism remains the fourth largest private sector employer in the state,
supporting more than 914,000 jobs, according to the New York State Department
of Labor. The tourism industry was also responsible for nearly $21 billion
in direct wages, a 25 percent increase from 2011.
Additionally, New York welcomed a record 239 million visitors in 2016,
36 million more than when Governor Cuomo took office in 2011. Additionally,
passenger counts at all New York State airports increased more than five
percent in 2016, with a nearly four percent jump in hotel room demand.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Governor Cuomo's unprecedented commitment to growing tourism
is producing results for New Yorkers, with more and more visitors coming
to our communities and spending billions of dollars at local businesses
and attractions. From the majestic Niagara Falls to the beacon of freedom
that is the Statue of Liberty, New York has iconic destinations for any
interest and we both encourage and welcome all to visit and experience
the Empire State."
Senator Rich Funke, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs,
Tourism, Parks & Recreation said, "These numbers confirm that tourism is growing jobs and attracting
investment here at home in our Finger Lakes Region and all across the
State of New York. The tourism sector now employs nearly one million of
our fellow New Yorkers, supporting almost one in every ten jobs in our
state today. I thank Governor Cuomo for his partnership in helping to
promote the many unique assets that will attract more visitors and jobs
to New York in 2017 and beyond."
Assembly Member Daniel J. O'Donnell, Chair of the Committee on Arts,
Tourism, Parks and Sports Development said, "This record-breaking increase in tourism is a clear indication of
the investment the state legislature and the Governor have made in one
of our great state’s largest industries. While I’ve become
very familiar with the beauty of upstate New York from my trips to and
from Albany, and around the state during my time in the legislature, programs
like Taste New York and other I LOVE NEW YORK initiatives highlight this
value for residents of New York City or those passing through our state.
As Chair of the Arts and Tourism committee, I look forward to continuing
to advocate and support this important economic driver throughout the
state along with Governor Cuomo."
New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions, featuring landmarks
such as Niagara Falls, the largest park in the continental U.S. in the
Adirondacks and treasures such as the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown
and the Corning Museum of Glass. New York State offers diverse activities
for all: outdoor fun - snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, fishing,
hiking and boating, year-round festivals and exploring the rich history
and culture of one of the 13 original colonies. Visitors also enjoy the
fine cuisine, beverage trails and farm-to-table fresh foods. For more
information on New York State’s rich history, visit
paththroughhistory.iloveny.com. Information on all tourism attractions is available at
iloveny.com.