Westchester's Visitor Spending In 2022 Reached $2B: Report

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Tourism in Westchester County is big business, and a recent report from New York backs that up.

The Tourism Economics report released by New York State Empire State Development shows that Westchester County represented 43 percent of all visitor spending in the Hudson Valley region, significantly contributing to the state’s visitor volumes and spending in 2022.

Overall, Westchester visitor spending reached $2 billion last year, following a challenging period for the tourism industry.

Key findings of the report include:

• Spending of $2 billion was driven by a 39 percent increase in retail, 27 percent increase in lodging and 23 percent increase in food and beverages.
• Westchester ranks fifth in visitor spending in the entire state.
• The county saw a 99 percent recovery from the pandemic loss.
• Wages generated by visitors amounted to $1.1 billion — the most significant in the region.
• Local taxes — hotel occupancy, sales and property — and state taxes generated were $243.5 million, or $668 in local state tax savings for every county household.

Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo said, in collaboration with local partners, the county was able to showcase Westchester as a safe and attractive destination for visitors seeking an experience beyond the everyday.

“The 2022 results show that our tourism industry is helping Westchester County recover, is creating meaningful job opportunities for residents and is a vital part of our county’s prosperity,” she said.