Oneida County, nestled in Central New York, is rapidly gaining recognition as the state’s newest tourism hotspot. Recent data from the governor’s office confirms its remarkable growth, cementing its place as a key driver of New York’s record-breaking tourism year in 2023.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced at the New York State Fair that the Empire State welcomed over 306.3 million visitors in 2023, generating an unprecedented $88 billion in revenue. This surge in tourism activity translates to a staggering $137 billion in overall economic impact, marking a 12% increase from the previous year and setting a new benchmark for the state’s tourism industry.
Oneida County played a pivotal role in this economic boom. The 2023 Economic Impact of Visitors Report by Hochul’s administration reveals that tourists flocked to Central New York, spending a remarkable $5.1 billion in the region – a 6% increase from 2022. Oneida County alone accounted for a significant portion of this, with $3.7 billion in direct tourism spending, reflecting a 5.4% rise from the previous year.
Governor Hochul emphasized the significance of Central New York in the state’s tourism landscape, noting that the region accounted for 19% of New York’s total tourism spending. Within Central New York, Oneida County emerged as the dominant force, generating a remarkable 74% of the region’s total tourism sales and 70.8% of its tourism tax base. This impressive performance outshines other regions like the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes, which contributed 18% and 16% respectively.
The largest expenditures in Oneida County were on lodging and recreation, reaching $1.781 billion and $738 million respectively. This spending not only fueled the local economy but also created 23,112 jobs and generated $197.2 million in taxes within the county. The overall tourism impact in Central New York also resulted in $1.3 billion in direct labor income, with Oneida County contributing the most significant share at $1.5 billion when including indirect and induced impacts.
Governor Hochul highlighted the broader benefits of tourism revenue, particularly its impact on local homeowners. In Central New York, tax revenue generated by tourism saved homeowners an average of $1,703 in taxes. However, in Oneida County, the savings were even more substantial, with homeowners benefiting from an average tax reduction of $3,857 per household.
As New York State enters the fall foliage season, Governor Hochul expressed optimism about the continued growth of tourism across the state. “We are welcoming more visitors than ever, and their presence is supporting businesses and communities in every corner of the state,” she said. State officials anticipate that New York will maintain its position as a top global destination, continuing to drive strong travel demand in the post-pandemic era.
