Domestic Visitors Drive Post-Pandemic Rise of NY Tourism Economy

New York tourism just hit another goalpost beyond recovering from pandemic lows. During a stop at the New York State Fair on Aug. 28, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that 306 million people visited the state last year, the highest number recorded in the state’s history. Tourists spent a record $88 billion on lodging, food, transportation, and more in the state, which produced a total economic impact of $137 billion, according to Hochul. “New York State is synonymous with tourism,” Hochul said in a statement following the fair announcement, “As we approach the fall foliage and travel season, we are welcoming more visitors … their presence is supporting businesses and communities in every corner of the state.”...