OSWEGO — Visitors to Oswego County spent a record of more than $146 million last year, up nearly 7 percent from the $136 million that visitors spent in 2015, the Oswego County government announced. The data is included in the 2016 “Economic Impact Study of Tourism in New York,” a study that Tourism Economics conducts. […]
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OSWEGO — Visitors to Oswego County spent a record of more than $146 million last year, up nearly 7 percent from the $136 million that visitors spent in 2015, the Oswego County government announced.
The data is included in the 2016 “Economic Impact Study of Tourism in New York,” a study that Tourism Economics conducts. Tourism Economics is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania–based travel-data firm.
Empire State Development hired the organization to study the economic impact of visitor spending across all counties in New York.
“From 2015 [to 2016], visitor spending in Oswego County increased 6.8 percent to $146,013,000, with tourism employment growing 8.5 percent,” Oswego County Legislator Roy Reehil said in the county’s news release. “That shows that the county is doing a great job in support and promotion of our tourism industry and that the sector can be a growth industry in the future. With nearly 10 percent of all Oswego County employment generated by visitors currently, my hope is that those numbers will grow and the sector can provide new business and employment opportunities for many years to come.”
Reehil is the chairman of the county legislature’s economic development and planning committee.
In Oswego County, “nearly all” segments of traveler spending increased during 2016. Food and beverage spending continues to be the largest segment, rising 9 percent to $46.3 million, spending on second homes was up 5.9 percent to $31.7 million, retail and service stations increased 5.4 percent to $21.4 million, lodging rose 11.6 percent to $16.3 million, and recreation was up 7.8 percent to nearly $12.3 million, according to the report.
Transportation services, including bus, taxi, rental cars, and airport fuel and landing fees, showed a slight decrease across the Thousand Islands – Seaway Region. It also fell 0.2 percent to just under $18 million in Oswego County.
Jobs, wages, taxes
The study also found that the tourism industry supported 3,153 direct and in-direct jobs in Oswego County in 2016, up 8.5 percent from a year ago. The jobs generated $63.4 million in wages across the county.
“We’re pleased to be able to help sustain these jobs and market the many businesses and attractions that make up the backbone of our tourism industry,” David Turner, director of the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning, said in the release.
Visitors to Oswego County generated $8.8 million in local tax revenue and $8.1 million in state tax revenue in 2016.
The study estimated that state and local taxes generated by visitors represent a savings of $372 to the average Oswego County household.
“Oswego County is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and unique attractions that inspire visitors from around the world,” said Turner.
The department’s promotion and tourism office markets Oswego County as a “visitor destination.”
“Our legendary fishing attracts anglers from every state and more than 20 different nations,” said Turner. “We’re seeing increased recognition of Oswego County’s historic landmarks, such as Fort Ontario and Safe Haven, and recreational activities like paddling and multi-use trails. Recent investments in new lodging and restaurant facilities, and successful events such as Harborfest and Super DIRT Week, all contribute to the county’s economic development and enrich our quality of life in Oswego County.”
