A Year of Amazing Growth
Noah Howard, Public Relations Manager
Cayuga County, September 2024 – Traveler spending plays a crucial role in bolstering Cayuga County’s economy by injecting vital revenue into local businesses and services. This influx of spending not only helps sustain existing enterprises but also encourages new investments, leading to a more diverse economic landscape. Additionally, increased traveler spending can enhance public services and infrastructure through tax revenues, ultimately benefiting the entire community. By promoting tourism and attracting visitors, Cayuga County can leverage its unique cultural, historical, and natural assets to foster long-term economic growth and stability.
Key Points:
- Spending Growth: Traveler spending rose over 9% from $144 million in 2022 to $157 million in 2023.
- Job Increase: Employment in the tourism sector grew from 1,480 in 2022 to 1,541 in 2023, benefiting related industries.
- Tax Revenue Boost: Increased traveler spending added over $9 million in state tax income, and an additional $9 million in local taxes funding education, healthcare, and community projects.
- Were it not for the tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in the county would have to pay an additional $604 to maintain the same level of government revenue, looking at it another way, tourism dollars saved Cayuga County households $604 in taxes.
- Investment in Tourism: Continued investment in tourism attracts more visitors, stimulates local economies, and promotes resilience.
*The data, released by Empire State Development in a series of reports sourced to Tourism Economics, is available here.
Continued investment in tourism incentives significantly contribute to the overall economic health of the local economy by attracting more visitors and encouraging spending. This influx of tourists stimulates local businesses, creates jobs, and generates vital tax revenue that can be reinvested into public services and community projects. A thriving tourism sector fosters a diverse economy, making it more resilient to fluctuations in other industries. Ultimately, sustained investment in tourism not only boosts immediate economic activity in the county but also lays the groundwork for long-term growth and stability in the community.
The work of the Cayuga County Tourism Office is research based. We use geographic, demographic and social data to inform our decision on where, when and to whom to direct our marketing dollars. The result of which is these impressive numbers in return. The positive impact of tourism starts with a visit, and that visit doesn’t start without the Cayuga County Tourism Office.
Karen Kühl, executive director of the Cayuga County Tourism Office states “We’re looking forward to continuing our marketing, public relations, and community engagement plans to keep this momentum going to continue bringing tangible positive impact to the residents of Cayuga County.”
For more details or questions please contact Noah Howard. To stay up to date on the efforts of the tourism office and local events visit www.tourcayuga.com or follow us on Facebook @CayugaTourismNY & Instagram @cayuga_tourism
About Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) is Cayuga County’s tourism promotion agency. We increase tourism and related revenues through promotion and research-based targeted marketing, and we improve the visitor experience by providing data and training to local hospitality industry providers. We continuously work to increase tourism and improve the visitor experience, which in turn stimulates economic growth and sustains recreational and cultural opportunities in the County.