Economic Impact of Tourism in NYS Report Highlights Tourism Success of 2012
(Syracuse, NY – June 21, 2013) New York state officials recently released the annual Economic Impact of Tourism in New York State report which details the continued recovery of New York State’s tourism economy in 2012, growing 6.2% after an 8.3% expansion in 2011.
According to the report, prepared by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company based in Philadelphia, statewide visitor spending reached a new high of $57.3 billion reaffirming that travel and tourism remains a vital and growing component of the New York state economy.
In Onondaga County, visitor travel spending grew from $764 million (2011) to $791 million (2012) increasing 3.5% in year over year comparison. The $791 million in travel spending supports more than 16,700 jobs in Onondaga County and generates $103 million in tax revenue. Were it not for tourism-generated state and local taxes generated in 2012, the average household in Onondaga County would have to pay an additional $565 in annual taxes.
The report confirms Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) President David Holder’s enthusiasm for the future of Onondaga County as a premier leisure and meetings/convention destination.
“Continued growth in tourism to Onondaga County shows the significant impact of our recent product changes including Destiny USA and the revitalization of downtown Syracuse, when combined with increased travel volume,” said Holder. “By following the recommendations delivered via the 2012 Destination Market Analysis, we will experience even greater growth of tourism in the coming years.”
Here is a comparison of 2010 through 2012 regarding Onondaga County’s tourism impact:
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | Change 2011 v. 2012 | |
| Traveler Spending | $724 million | $764 million | $791 million | 3.5% |
| Local Taxes | $56 million | $59 million | $60 million | 2% |
| State Taxes | $40 million | $42 million | $43 million | 2.9% |
| Employment (Direct & Indirect) |
16,418 | 15,689 | 16,727 | 7% |
For more information, contact SCVB President David Holder at DHolder@VisitSyracuse.org or 470-1911.