WHITE PLAINS, NY –Visitor spending in Westchester hit a record $1.74 billion in 2014 and is on pace to top that number in 2015, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today. Since 2010, tourism has added $8.3 billion to the county’s economy.
“These numbers show the growing popularity of Westchester as the ‘Meet Me’ destination in the Hudson Valley,” Astorino said. “Whether for business or pleasure, Westchester is attracting more and more visitors and that’s great news for our economy.”
In 2014, visitor spending supported 23,681 jobs in Westchester, 6 percent of all jobs in the county.At the same time, tourism generated $207.7 million in revenue for the county and local municipalities, representing $600 for every household in the county. Overall, visitor spending grew 14 percent – more than $200 million – over five years.Westchester’s tourism industry, which ranks third in the state behind New York City and Long Island, represents 52 percent of all visitor spending in the Hudson Valley region.
Natasha Caputo, Director of Westchester County Tourism& Film, said upcoming attractions for the fall season will add to the momentum of Westchester’s tourism industry.
The fall season’svarious events and activities include:
American Gold Cup.Rated as the United States’ No. 1 competition by the North American Riders Group, the American Gold Cup returns to Old Salem Farm September 9-13.
Circus Latino!A 90-foot “Big Top” tent with the sound and energy of Brazilian and Ecuadorian bands combined with the artistry of aerialists and acrobats, at Edge-on-Hudson on September 18-20.
SOWE Music Festival.Featuringthree stages of world class rock, dozens of top national and regional artists, beer, wine food trucks, carnival rides and more, this festival takes place on September 19 at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck.
White Plains Jazz Fest.A four-day jazz and blues celebration featuring seven live music concert events, located at venues throughout downtown White Plains on September 24-27.
Westchester Knicks. The official NBA Development League affiliate of the New York Knicks enters its second season as Westchester County’s only professional sports franchise. Season tickets for the 2015-16 season start at just $10 per game.
Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture’s Harvest Fest.The community celebration on October 3 includes hands-on farming and food activities, live music, a farmers market with delicious seasonal fare, hayrides and more.
2014Westchester Visitor Statistics
Travel and Tourism is a $1.7 billion industry for Westchester County (as measured by visitor spending).
-Visitor spending grew 3% in 2014, reaching record levels.
-This represents 52% of all visitor spending in the Hudson Valley region.
-Westchester County ranks third in visitor spending in New York State behind NYC and Long Island.
-Visitor spending in the county has grown 14% in the last five years, more than $200 million.
-All told, the industry has contributed $8.3 billion into the county economy during this time.
Westchester County visitor spending supported 23,681 jobs directly and indirectly in 2014.
-This represents 6% of all jobs in the county.
-Westchester County comprises 44% of all Hudson Valley region visitor supported jobs.
-The number of jobs supported grew 3% over 2013.
Travel and Tourism continues to be a significant driver of the county’s economy, providing revenue to support county services. Local taxes (hotel occupancy, sales and property) and state taxes generated by the industry were $207.7 million in 2014.
-Local taxes generated rose4% over the previous year, to $112.9 million. In the last five years, the industry contributed more than half a billion dollars to local tax coffers.
-State taxes were $94.9 million, up 3% compared to 2013.
-This represents $600 in taxes for every county household.
Tourism activity encompasses many industry sectors, as evidenced by where visitors spend their money in the county.
-All spending sectors grew in 2014.
-Expenditures on food & beverage, lodging and recreation soared 5% during the year. Second homes rose 3%. Transportation spending increased 2% while retail reversed the declines seen in 2013, stabilizing at +0.2%.
Hotel activity in Westchester County reached new levels in 2014, with room demand (as measured by hotel room nights filled) rising 3% to 1.6 million.
-Hotel occupancy rose from 69.4% to 70.3%
-Hotel average daily rate (ADR) jumped4% to $158.20.
