NYS Record Setting Tourism and Economic Milestones

NYS  Record Setting Tourism  and Economic Milestones

Press Release: August 28, 2024

Historic 306.3 Million Visitors Explored the Empire State in 2023 – the Most in New York State History

Tourism Generated $88 Billion in Direct Spending and $137 Billion in Total Economic Impact, Exceeding Previous Highs in 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York welcomed a record-setting 306.3 million visitors in 2023, while also setting new historic highs for direct visitor spending and total economic impact associated with the state's tourism industry. Visitors to New York State contributed to a record-high $88 billion in direct spending, and supported a historic $137 billion in total economic impact across the state. The Governor made the announcement at the Great New York State Fair, a perennially popular seasonal tourism attraction and economic driver. This data, compiled in a series of reports prepared by Tourism Economics, represents significant gains over the then-record-setting numbers from 2022, and far surpass the highest numbers achieved prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“New York State is synonymous with tourism; it's part of the fabric, history and economy of our incredibly diverse state,” Governor Hochul said. “As we approach the fall foliage and travel season, we are welcoming more visitors than ever, and their presence is supporting businesses and communities in every corner of the state.”

Last year, the total statewide economic impact of tourism reached a record-high $137 billion, representing an 11 percent jump over 2022. Direct visitor spending was also up nearly 12 percent from $78.6 billion in 2022 to $88 billion in 2023 – the third straight year of double-digit growth. New York State also saw a five percent increase in visitation to 306.3 million travelers, up from 291.5 million in 2022. Additionally, state and local tax revenues generated by tourism saved the average New York State household $1,420 in taxes.

The reports by Tourism Economics detail the industry's statewide and regional importance and underscore that New York State not only remains a top destination, but travel demand remains strong in the post-pandemic landscape. Each of the state's 11 vacation regions experienced sustained growth, with the Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara region, Long Island and New York City all recording visitor spending increases of over 10 percent. While domestic visitor spending dominates New York’s travel economy, spending growth from Canadian and overseas visitors outpaced that of domestic travelers.