Powerful Visitor Spending Fuels Tourism in Orange County, New York

September 23, 2019 at 11:47 am

Oxford Economics data supports positive impacts of food & beverage boom, increased traveler spending

ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (September 23, 2019) – Data in a newly released study by Oxford Economics, The Economic Impact of Tourism in New York, shows that tourism in Orange County, N.Y. experienced another year of significant growth in 2018. Travel and tourism is a critical component of the State’s economy, and the Hudson Valley Region – and Orange County specifically – made strong contributions to statewide growth of 6.2 percent in 2018.

One of 11 economic regions in New York State, the Hudson Valley Region ranked third overall in growth in 2018, at 6 percent. Along with the New York City and Long Island Regions, the three accounted for 80 percent of the total tourism spending in the State. The Hudson Valley Region, which consists of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess and Columbia Counties generated $4.365 billion in total tourism impact, with Orange County ranking second within the Region.

According to the report, tourism spending in Orange County totaled $1.04 billion in 2018. Orange County also scored particularly strong number in three critical areas – spending on lodging, recreation and food and beverage. Spending on lodging in Orange County increased by 7.3 percent in 2018 – the second highest rate of growth in the Region for the year – totaling $87.9 million. Tourist spending on recreation was also up across the Region, with Orange County showing the largest Regional increase at 6.5 percent. Overall recreation spending in the County totaled $26.5 million in 2018.

Orange County’s booming food and beverage industry also contributed to substantial growth. Having established itself as the craft beverage and farm-to-table epicenter of the Hudson Valley over the past few years, Orange County continued its epicurean rise in 2018 with an increase of nearly 42 percent on tourism spending for food and beverage. That amounted to $207.9 million.

“We were very excited to receive this year’s report, and proud of the data that further establishes Orange County as a key component of the tourism industry in New York State,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “We have quality lodging options popping up all over the county, and our craft beverage and farm-to-table eateries continue to flourish, from our amazing waterfront establishments, to those located in our historic downtowns and even on working farms. Orange County is home to not just nationally recognized attractions but small businesses offering products and more importantly, unforgettable experiences. It’s all part of why people love coming here.”

Tourism spending in Orange County also generated $91.5 million in local taxes and $56.7 million in state taxes in 2018.

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.

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