Tourism Continues to Triumph
Tourism creates jobs, strengthens the economy, and contributes to infrastructure development and I am pleased to share that for the year 2022, were it not for the tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in Rockland County would have to pay an additional $581 to maintain the same level of government revenue, a 4.5% increase compared to 2021.
In 2022, tourism also generated:
· 6,532 jobs in Rockland County, a 7.6% increase over 2021.
· $513 million in visitor spending, a 104.7% increase to 2019 and 18% increase vs. 2021.
· $1.4 million in Occupancy Tax revenue, a 26% increase over 2021.
These results demonstrate that the tourism industry in Rockland County is thriving and that our investments in tourism are yielding a strong return on investment.
Some of our recent investments include our annual tourism grants. Just this year we awarded $278,000 in grants to local organizations to promote their events to those outside of the County and attract more visitors who stay and spend in Rockland. We also launched a new series of workshops to show our local businesses how to attract visitors and maximize their promotions in addition to a new tourism website. These County dollars come with a set of performance expectations, and we’re confident the organizations receiving these funds will meet those standards and bring in visitors who keep coming back.
We are pleased to say we will have another billboard that will be displayed in Manhattan from October 16th through November 12th.
The travel sector plays an important role in Rockland County’s economy and is a critical driver to our future. Households, businesses, and government benefit from the significant impact that the tourism industry provides. Bottom line is the more visitors spend the more it offsets costs for residents and it is our duty to support this vital economic driver.
I am very proud of our Tourism & Economic Development team for all their hard work. Without their dedication and commitment, these results would not be possible.
