Travel & Tourism Tops $1.3 Billion in Oneida County in 2015

Visitors to Oneida County spent more than $1.3 billion in 2015 according to a study by Empire State Development.

That number represents 62% of Central New York Region's travel and tourism sales, while visitor spending across all of Central New York reached $2.1 billion in total.

The report says tourism supported 19,690 jobs in Oneida County in 2015, resulting in $729 million in wages.

“We are pleased to see the economic impact of travel and tourism continues to grow jobs, sales tax receipts and household wages in Oneida County,” stated Kelly Blazosky, President of Oneida County Tourism. “The research further validates the travel industry as a vital part of the Oneida County and Central New York Region economies. Our location, well developed lodging sector, great value, premier events and year-round attractions are all important factors that make Oneida County an excellent destination and a leader in the state’s travel industry.”

Oneida County residents also saw $1,669 in tax savings per household from visitor spending alone.

“We are working very hard to make Oneida County a destination for tourists.” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “We have outstanding attractions and wonderful facilities and have reinvigorated our efforts at promoting the great places to see and stay here in the county. Making the most of our vast tourism potential is a team effort between our community partners, the County and Oneida County Tourism. We are very encouraged by this data and we can see great tourist attractions gaining momentum all around us.”

In Oneida County, all industry sectors stayed steady or grew slightly and generated the following visitor spending in 2015:

• Lodging $343 million
• Recreation $373 million
• Food & Beverage $231 million
• Retail & Service $295 million
• Transportation $42 million
• Second Homes $20 million

Overall, New York State's tourism economy grew by 1.0% in 2015, with traveler spending across the Empire State reaching a new record high of $63.1 billion.