Tourism is Big Business in Rockland

NEW CITY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day shared the results of a new report about the economic impact of tourism in New York for 2017 issued by the State’s Empire State Development office. New York State’s tourism economy expanded in 2017 reaching a new high of $67.6 billion in traveler spending up from $64.8 billion in 2016.

Travelers spent three percent more in Rockland County in 2017 than they did a year earlier; an estimated $480,015. That money is being spent in Rockland’s restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions leading to a four percent increase in tourism related employment; 9,060 jobs in 2017 compared to 8,673 in 2016. Tourism accounts for 7.3 percent of all employment in Rockland.

In addition to creating jobs, tourism generates significant State and Local taxes. In Rockland, tourism resulted in an estimated $31.5 million in Local taxes in 2017; an increase of 4 percent or just over $1 million from 2016. “Tourism is big business. Increases in tourism spending are helping fuel our economy and expand our tax base; every penny paid in taxes by these visitors is a penny that we, Rockland residents, do not have to spend,” said County Executive Ed Day.

The report noted that International markets represented 30 percent of New York State’s traveler spending base in 2017. This coincides with increased outreach efforts by Lucy Redzeposki, Rockland’s Director of Tourism and Economic Development. Outreach included places as close as Manhattan and Queens, and as far away as Scotland, Ireland and China.

The 2017 hospitality economic indicators are proof that Rockland County’s tourism efforts are paying off. Our assets are being recognized by visitors who come to explore the County.

“The County’s various attractions, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality related organizations are now working together to maximize their efforts to attract tourists,” said Redzeposki. “These partnerships have been crucial to the success of the tourism program. Together, we have put Rockland on the map!”

Rockland, with its proximity to NYC, is well on its way to becoming a destination for travelers. The tourism program has expanded to include a number of efforts that have resulted in a positive economic impact for the County. The tourism program includes: increased advertising with a focus on social media, attracting international tourists from China, participating in national and international sales missions, supporting local efforts such as Visit Nyack and Explore Harriman, promoting the river towns, investing in various events and festivals, and fostering a robust filming program. In addition, the tourism website, explorerocklandny.com, includes a Chinese microsite that has been recognized with various awards.

The report also stated that “Were it not for tourism generated state and local taxes, the average household in Rockland County would have to pay an additional $585 to maintain the same level of government revenue.”

“These numbers show that our efforts to increase visibility and awareness are paying dividends. Not only are taxpayers benefiting by the money being spent here but these visitors get to experience the best that Rockland County has to offer,” concluded County Executive Day.