For Immediate Release   

 

While Empire State Development (ESD) today announced a 9 percent increase in direct tourism spending for New York State in 2007, last year visitors spent $32,062,000 in Tioga County, a growth rate of 15% from the year before according to a study commissioned by the Department of Economic Development’s Division of Tourism.  This rate of growth ranks as the second highest percentage rate for visitor spending among the 14 counties in the Finger Lakes Region, and 5th highest percentage rate of growth among all 62 counties in the State.  Lodging revenue in Tioga County increased 16.4%, recreation revenue increased by 21% and retail sales increased 16.9% from 2006 to 2007.

 

While 2007 was an extremely strong year, the slowing economy and rising fuel prices have led to wide speculation that tourism will retract in 2008.  While this may prove true on the national level, we intend to highlight why we expect the tourism industry to continue to be a bright spot for New York State's economy as well as Tioga County.  For the first two quarters of 2008, Tioga County's lodging room tax collections are showing an increase of 15% over the first two quarters in 2007.

 

Consumer research, internal (Division of Tourism) and national (Travel Industry Association), shows most consumers still plan to travel as much as they did in 2007, however they will travel differently.  In the midst of a period where consumers are reevaluating their travel options and distances, I LOVE NEW YORK and its industry partners across the state are marketing the high quality, but often lower priced destinations in NYS that are a 3-5 hour drive for 80 million people.

 

For more information about Tioga County lodging, events, and attractions, go to www.visittioga.com.