ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (September 10, 2018) – A recently released New York State tourism economic impact study by Oxford Economics confirms that, during 2017, Orange County, N.Y. experienced an increase in tourism over the prior year. According to the report, Orange County accounted for 14 percent of all traveler tourism in the six-county Hudson Valley Region which realized an overall 3.6 percent increase in traveler spending. Orange County was the only county in the region to see a full percentage point increase in its share of the regional traveler spending analysis compared to 2016.
Travel and tourism is a substantial and growing component of both the regional and state economy. It’s a $3.7 billion industry in the Hudson Valley Region, supporting more than 58,000 jobs. The growth of businesses within this sector has positively impacted Orange County’s unemployment rate of 4.8 percent, bringing levels close to full employment. Furthermore, tourism-generated taxes saved an average $484 per Orange County household in 2017.
“This study supports what our tourism industry partners have been seeing and we are very optimistic about future growth in our local tourism economy,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “For decades, landmarks like West Point and Storm King Art Center have lured visitors here. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, one of the state’s biggest tourism attractions, accounts for an estimated 13 million visitors to Orange County annually. Combined with new projects, including the LEGOLAND® New York theme park and resort, an additional 7 million visitors are expected in the region following its expected 2020 opening.”
Orange County’s proximity to New York City, a robust network of connecting highways and its natural beauty and points of interest make it an attractive destination for businesses. In 2017, the craft beverage industry boomed with the backing and support of New York State. Newcomers to the Orange County craft beverage scene were Fox N Hare Brewery in Port Jervis and the Black Dirt Bourbon Barn, a subsidiary of the Warwick Valley Winery, at Woodbury Common.
For a full list of Orange County lodging, activities and tourism attractions, visit www.OrangeTourism.org. Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism NY also posts upcoming tourism events and news.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
