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Tourism Industry is Crucial to New York State Growth
With 11 geographically diverse vacation regions, New York’s world-class tourism industry welcomes, hosts and supports all types of visitors who come to enjoy the beauty and wonder of our great state. New York’s tourism businesses become both visitor destinations and economic drivers in an array of dynamic settings, from awe-inspiring city lights to high mountain peaks, sandy beaches, scenic lakes and world-renowned wine and craft beverage trails. A record-high 265.5 million visitors enjoyed New York State in 2019, spending $73.6 billion and generating an economic impact of $117.6 billion.
New York State prioritizes investment in major tourism infrastructure projects. From the transformation of Penn Station into a modern, world-class transportation hub to the renovation of nearly all major airports (John F Kennedy International, LaGuardia International, Syracuse Hancock International, Plattsburgh International, Elmira Corning Regional, Rochester International, Ithaca Tompkins International, Albany International and New York Stewart International), New York State is committed to ensuring both visitors and residents have first-rate transportation options.
The state continues to support the tourism industry with strategic investments in some of New York’s most unique tourism assets like Niagara Falls, the National Comedy Center, the Empire State Trail and the Erie Canal. These investments contribute to a positive and memorable visitor experience.
New York State understands the value of tourism and has committed millions of dollars to promoting tourism businesses throughout the state with robust marketing efforts that include paid advertising, social media, earned media, tourism trade sales work and live event activations. New York State Welcome Centers are open in each of the eleven regions of the state, including an Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. The Welcome Centers are regionally reflective of each area, helping inspire travelers to visit everything each region has to offer.
Tourism in New York State
265 Million
visitors to New York State in 2019
$73.6 Billion
direct visitor spending in 2019
$117.6 Billion
total economic impact of NYS tourism in 2019
Financial Incentives for Tourism Businesses in New York State
Market NY
Tourism Matching Funds Program
Other funding opportunities
Industry Contact
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