Westchester County Sees Record Tourism Spending in 2018

Visitor spending in Westchester County grew 5% in 2018 to nearly $2 billion, County Executive George Latimer announced this week. This ranks Westchester County third in visitor spending in New York State, behind only New York City and Long Island. This spending supported 24,360 jobs directly and indirectly in 2018 – or 5% of all jobs in the county.

“The tourism industry is important to Westchester County and all of its residents, directly providing good jobs and driving economic growth,” Executive George Latimer said. “These record numbers show that our efforts to promote all we have to offer in our picturesque County are working.”

Tourism activity benefits many industry sectors in Westchester County, with all visitor spending categories continuing to grow. In 2018 alone, spending on lodging jumped 8%, followed by food and beverage and retail and service rising 5%. Recreation, transportation and spending on a second home increased 4% each.

“We could not be more excited to see such positive numbers being generated by the travel and tourism industry, which fuels business growth, employment and opportunities throughout Westchester,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “Many of our members operate in this space, and we will continue to advocate on their behalf in partnership with the county. From our beautiful hotels, meeting spaces, parks and restaurants to our robust art, history, shopping and entertainment attractions, it’s no wonder more and more people are finding their way to Westchester County.”

Travel and tourism continues to be a significant driver of the county’s economy, while also providing revenue to support vital county services that residents rely on. In 2018, the industry generated $233 million in local and state taxes.

Natasha Caputo, Westchester County Film and Tourism Director added, “Westchester County reached new heights as a destination in 2018. The collective efforts between our tourism partners are paying off and reinforces that we are an ideal – and idyllic – destination for both business and leisure.”

Data Source: New York: Economic Impact of Tourism, Hudson Valley/Westchester report, Tourism Economics and supplied by NYSDED; hotel statistics: Smith Travel Research