Historic 306.3 Million Visitors Explored the Empire State in 2023 – the Most in New York State History
Tourism Generated $88 Billion in Direct Spending and $137 Billion in Total Economic Impact, Exceeding Previous Highs in 2022
Ahead of Fall Travel Season, I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Reports Begin on September 12
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York welcomed a record-setting 306.3 million visitors in 2023, while also setting new historic highs for direct visitor spending and total economic impact associated with the state’s tourism industry. Visitors to New York State contributed to a record-high $88 billion in direct spending, and supported a historic $137 billion in total economic impact across the state. The Governor made the announcement at the Great New York State Fair, a perennially popular seasonal tourism attraction and economic driver. This data, compiled in a series of reports prepared by Tourism Economics, represents significant gains over the then-record-setting numbers from 2022, and far surpass the highest numbers achieved prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“New York State is synonymous with tourism; it’s part of the fabric, history and economy of our incredibly diverse state,” Governor Hochul said. “As we approach the fall foliage and travel season, we are welcoming more visitors than ever, and their presence is supporting businesses and communities in every corner of the state.”
Last year, the total statewide economic impact of tourism reached a record-high $137 billion, representing an 11 percent jump over 2022. Direct visitor spending was also up nearly 12 percent from $78.6 billion in 2022 to $88 billion in 2023 – the third straight year of double-digit growth. New York State also saw a five percent increase in visitation to 306.3 million travelers, up from 291.5 million in 2022. Additionally, state and local tax revenues generated by tourism saved the average New York State household $1,420 in taxes.
The reports by Tourism Economics detail the industry’s statewide and regional importance and underscore that New York State not only remains a top destination, but travel demand remains strong in the post-pandemic landscape. Each of the state’s 11 vacation regions experienced sustained growth, with the Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara region, Long Island and New York City all recording visitor spending increases of over 10 percent. While domestic visitor spending dominates New York’s travel economy, spending growth from Canadian and overseas visitors outpaced that of domestic travelers.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s strategic investments in the tourism industry under Governor Hochul continue to generate dividends as we welcome even more guests from around the world to our state. The latest figures demonstrate that New York State and its unique attractions continue to draw visitors from around the world, which helps to promote regional and statewide economic growth.”
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “While some experts feared a post-COVID tourism bubble with travelers satisfying their pent up demand for travel in 2022, New York State tourism showed no sign of letting up in 2023 and defied any expectation by reaching record high levels of visitation, visitor spending, economic impact and tax generation. These successes are a tribute to the collective work of the tourism industry across the state that continues to show creativity, tenacity and resourcefulness in encouraging travelers to experience how easy it is to love New York.”
We are welcoming more visitors than ever, and their presence is supporting businesses and communities in every corner of the state.” – Governor Kathy Hochul
Governor Hochul has supported and prioritized New York’s tourism industry – one of the state’s key economic engines. Under her leadership, new programs like the I LOVE NY Black travel initiative have been launched to expand visitation, and her historic “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” pandemic recovery package supported travel industry businesses and employees, and brought new events to the state. Last year, nearly $15 million in Market New York grants were awarded to 59 tourism projects and events through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Additionally, more than $14 million in grants were awarded to 30 local and regional destination marketing organizations through the EDA Tourism Partner Sub-Awards Grant Program. The Governor has also announced game changing improvements to tourism infrastructure like state parks and airports, as well as comprehensive I LOVE NY marketing efforts to encourage travel throughout New York State.
State Senator Jose M. Serrano said, “Tourism is a vital economic engine for New York State, and the new data shows that people keep coming to experience the state’s unique offerings. As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I’m excited for the state’s continued growth in this crucial industry, and hope that even more travelers come and visit New York this fall.”
Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell said, “As Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development, I am thrilled to share that New York achieved record-breaking milestones in tourism in 2023. This accomplishment reflects an increase in tourism across all of New York State which could not have been made possible without the dedicated efforts of everyone in the tourism industry and the impactful policies supporting New York’s tourism sector. Although summer is coming to a close, there remains much to see in New York during our fall and winter seasons. Together, we will continue securing New York’s position as a top global destination.”
Today’s announcement comes ahead of the fall travel season, one of the most popular times for residents and visitors to travel throughout the state. New York State has one of the longest and most colorful foliage seasons in the country, welcoming visitors from around the world who explore the seasonal attractions throughout the state’s unique and diverse regions. To help travelers plan a fall getaway, I LOVE NY will be launching its weekly fall foliage reports on Thursday, September 12, with updates issued every Wednesday thereafter throughout the season.
I LOVE NY’s fall foliage reports are compiled weekly using on-location observations from a team of more than 85 volunteers throughout the state’s 11 vacation regions. The spotters track color changes in their area and detail prevalent leaf colors, percentage of total transition, and progression relative to peak conditions for the upcoming weekend. Peak conditions are considered the best that the foliage will look in a given season, and generally occur between late September and mid-November, depending on the location.
As part of the report, the interactive foliage map on the I LOVE NY website tracks weekly changes and progression throughout the season. The map offers recommended viewing locations, examples of peak foliage in designated areas, and information about popular local and regional attractions. Travelers are invited to share their best New York State foliage photos on social media using the #NYLovesFall hashtag for a chance to be featured on the I LOVE NY website and official social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Threads, which reach more than two million followers.
Reports and the interactive foliage map are available at www.iloveny.com/foliage, or toll-free at 800-CALL-NYS (800-225-5697) from anywhere in the U.S., its territories and Canada.
The fall foliage program is just one piece of I LOVE NY’s overall campaign to promote fall tourism, which includes a forthcoming television ad. Travelers can explore all the amazing attractions and activities waiting for them across the state this fall – from apple and pumpkin picking to haunted Halloween activities, hiking, craft beverage trails and Path Through History Weekend special events – at www.iloveny.com/fall.
For more information on tourism in New York or to plan a New York State getaway, visit www.iloveny.com.
