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For Immediate Release
Tuesday, August 4th, 2015
TOURISM IMPACT IN MONROE COUNTY
OVER $1 BILLION
TOURISM INDUSTRY A SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTOR
(Rochester, N.Y., August 4, 2015) -Visit Rochester, Monroe County's official tourism promotion agency was joined by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and City of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren to announce that the economic impact of visitors to Monroe County in 2014 was $1,001,985.
Visit Rochester identifies visitors as individuals who come from more than 50 miles to Monroe County for business, tourism, meetings, conventions and special sporting events.
The numbers, released by the New York State Department of Economic Development, Division of Tourism, are a continuation of the research originally commissioned by a coalition of New York State tourism partners in 2006. Using the same research firm, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, the state continues this research yearly.
According to the study, visitor driven expenditures in Monroe County in 2014 totaled $1,001,985. That's a compilation of the following indicators: Lodging - $273 million; Recreation - $46 million; Food &Beverage - $282 million; Retail - $202 million; Transportation - $193 million; and Second Homes/Vacation Rentals - $6 million.
"Tourism in Monroe County is now a billion dollar industry and there is no questioning the enormous impact it has on our economy, workforce, and quality of life," said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. "A clear economic engine, tourism is driven by our top notch attractions and excellent amenities, which continue to make Monroe County a destination for visitors."
Research results indicated the tourism impact on Monroe County generated $75.2 million in local taxes and $54.6 million in state taxes. Further, direct tourism-generated labor income was $310 million, accounting for 13,777 direct tourism jobs. The total of direct, indirect and induced tourism jobs in Monroe County is 19,731.
"The secret is out: Rochester is amazing place to visit, live, work and play," Mayor Lovely A. Warren said. "Whether it's our world-class festivals and events, our shoreline, waterways, art, music or first-rate restaurants and hotels, our city and region shines. The City of Rochester believes that investments in special events, arts and cultural scenes are key to drawing visitors. These investments in our quality of life are critical to enhance our efforts at job creation,
and in the process, to strengthen schools and neighborhoods. Increased revenue from tourism is an important component in any vibrant community and I hope our efforts to redevelop the port and further enhance downtown along with the neighborhoods surrounding it will bring even more visitors to our city in the future."
In making the announcement, Don Jeffries, president and CEO of Visit Rochester remarked,
"For the first time in Monroe County, tourism has contributed over $1 billion in economic impact. There is no question that the tourism product in Monroe County and surrounding areas is strong."
Jeffries also mentioned that the study results reinforce the existing marketing efforts of Visit Rochester both in and out of the region as it promotes the area as a place to visit, live, learn and do business. "We continue to capitalize on the revitalization of Rochester and Monroe County. Rochester's appeal is growing and the numbers prove that," added Jeffries.
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Media Contact:
Visit Rochester: Claire Wysokowski, 585-784-0947, Clairew@visitrochester.com
Monroe County Communications: 753-1080
City of Rochester: 484-1850