Visitor spending in Oneida County increased by nearly six percent in 2017 to more that $1.5 billion.

That's according to a recent study released by Empire State Development and the I Love NY Division of Travel and Tourism.

Oneida County represents 64 percent of the Central New York Region's travel and tourism sales.  The Central New York Vacation Region is comprised of Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, Broome, Chenango, Southern Herkimer, Madison, and Montgomery counties.

In Oneida County, all industry sectors realized an increase and generated the following visitor spending in 2017:

  • Lodging,  $413.7 million
  • Recreation, $376.4 million
  • Food & Beverage, $273.1 million
  • Retail and Service, $376.4 million
  • Transportation,  $42.6 million
  • Second Homes, $21.6 million

Tourism supported over 21,000 direct and indirect jobs in Oneida County in 2017, generating $924 million in wages

“We are pleased to see another year of healthy growth for the local tourism industry,” said Kelly Blazosky, President of Oneida County Tourism. “Travel and tourism is economic development and plays a significant role in the local economy supporting more than 21,000 jobs in Oneida County. The wide variety of quality attractions, events and lodging availability offered throughout the County continues to grow making the region an ideal getaway destination.”

New York State’s tourism economy expanded 4.4 in 2017, reaching a new high of $67.6 billion.

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