The Beat

Governor Hochul Celebrates Historic Tourism Milestone

New York’s Tourism Industry Generated More Than $78.6 Billion in Direct Spending and $123 Billion in Total Economic Impact in 2022 – Exceeding Previous Record From 2019

Follows Governor's “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” Initiative and Transformative Local Investments to Accelerate New York’s Pandemic Recovery

2022 Tourism Reports Available Online Here     

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State welcomed a record 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number of visitors in New York State’s history, generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact. These figures represent staggering increases over 2021 and surpass the previous records set in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the Governor’s historic investments in tourism, economic development, public safety, transportation, and other key sectors. The data, released today in a series of reports by Tourism Economics, is available here.

View Weekly I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Reports Available Every Wednesday, Beginning September 14, Here

Watch New Broadcast and Digital Marketing Campaign Showcasing Popular Seasonal Attractions and Destinations Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of New York State's 2022 fall foliage and travel season, highlighted by the return of I LOVE NY's Fall Foliage Reports and a new I LOVE NY broadcast and digital marketing campaign to showcase popular fall activities and attractions. I LOVE NY is also collaborating with the state's network of heritage tourism destinations on this year's Path Through History Weekend, scheduled for October 8 to 10, which will feature special events and activations at the state's rich history and historic sites.

The weekly fall foliage reports compiled by Empire State Development's Division of Tourism (I LOVE NY) return for the 2022 season on Wednesday, September 14. Each report uses the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY's team of more than 85 volunteer leaf spotters. Reports detail the predominant leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions in each region of New York State. The reports are scheduled to run every Wednesday through the end of the foliage season, traditionally in mid-November.

Part of Governor's Comprehensive $450 Million "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" Economic Recovery Initiative 

I LOVE NY Launches First Ever Global Consumer Advertising Effort; Can Be Viewed Here

New Eligibility Screening Tools Available Online for Return to Work Grant Program and Meet in New York Grant Program

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced progress on her commitment to revitalizing New York State's tourism industry, highlighted by the launch of new I LOVE NY advertising as part of her "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" initiative. The new spot will air in domestic television markets and digitally in select global markets, expanding I LOVE NY's paid tourism advertising to overseas markets for the first time. Additionally, guidelines and eligibility screening tools for two tourism industry relief programs totaling $125 million in support have been published online, encouraging potential applicants to engage with Empire State Development ahead of the open application period next month.

To Encourage Visitation and Support Industry Revitalization

Part of State's $40 Million Commitment to Promote and Rebuild Tourism Industry

New Tourism Spot Can Be Viewed Here

Empire State Development today announced the launch of the state's new fall tourism campaign, showcasing some of the great seasonal activities available for visitors and residents alike in New York State. The new spot is part of the previously announced $40 million global tourism campaign aimed at revitalizing the state's tourism industry, which was greatly impacted by COVID-19. The campaign will run on digital outlets and broadcast television across New York State and northeast markets, and drives viewers to the I LOVE NY website for the multitude of destinations ready for exploration as part of their next New York State getaway.

Partnership with tour operator Funway Holidays offers new program of itineraries, adding beach and country excursions to New York City vacations

New York, NY (January 15, 2020) – The New York State Division of Tourism (I LOVE NY) has launched NYC+, a series of four itineraries that encourage British visitors to add nearby New York State destinations to their next New York City visit. Developed through I LOVE NY's UK office, NYC+ is available through British tour operator partner Funway Holidays, with itineraries focused on combining New York City with short visits to other areas of the state, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes and the Greater Niagara region.

A Long-Anticipated Grand Opening, Plus Anniversaries and Milestones Celebrating Generation-Defining Events, Mark the Beginning of a New Decade

New York, NY – January 6, 2020 – New York State is poised to celebrate both the old and the new in 2020. Visitors can enjoy the opening of the world’s largest LEGOLAND theme park along with a host of events commemorating Susan B. Anthony, women’s suffrage, the 1980 Winter Olympic Games and the "Miracle on Ice," and the Roaring Twenties.

Hotels from Retro to Luxe are Opening Just in Time for New York’s Unparalleled Fall Foliage Season

NEW YORK – August 8, 2019 – As cooler weather emerges and a vivid tapestry of colors blankets the landscape, New York State's newest hotels and lodgings are ready to welcome visitors looking to immerse themselves in local culture, cuisine and attractions. These exciting new hotels are the perfect way to anchor a day-long or weekend getaway, and this autumn will showcase an array of impressive additions to a rapidly expanding hotel landscape.

Ticonderoga, N.Y. – Fort Ticonderoga recently unveiled a new responsive and multi-lingual website, featuring stunning visuals that capture Fort Ticonderoga’s scenic beauty and many programs extending across the historic site’s 2,000-acre landscape and onto the waters of Lake Champlain. The website project was supported, in part, by a grant from New York State’s Division of Tourism/I LOVE NY through the Market New York program as part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards.

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