Travelers Spent $1.9 Billion in 2012 Across Eight Counties
(Madison County) A record year for statewide tourism helped generate a 5-percent increase in Central New York, where travelers spent $1.9 billion in 2012.
Here are Madison County’s tourism statistics for 2012:
* Travelers spent nearly $81 million, an increase of 4.9 percent
* The tourism industry generated nearly $43 million in total labor income
* Tourism yielded more than $10 million in state and local taxes, saving the average household $372
For more information on tourism in Central New York, visit www.justgocny.com or call 1-877-NY-FUN-4-U.
“This is terrific news,” said Kelly Blazosky, president of Oneida County Tourism and Chair of the Central New York Vacation Region. “It’s clear that people are visiting Central New York and enjoying our attractions, restaurants, and shops. But what’s also important to note is that these travelers are supporting local jobs.”
According to the study by Tourism Economics, the tourism industry generated $560 million in direct labor income in 2012. This figure climbs to $947 million when indirect and induced labor income are included.
“This study once again proves that tourism development is economic development,” said Blazosky. “That’s why we’re continually working to draw more visitors—and their dollars—to our region.”
Blazosky also noted that tourism in Central New York yielded nearly $230 million in state and local taxes in 2012, saving the average household $759 in taxes that year.