Molly Belmont, Director of Marketing
Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: 518-434-1217 x 203
Email: mbelmont@albany.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2016
Tourists spent $968M in Albany County last year
Out-of-towners create local jobs and save residents money
Albany, New York - Each household in Albany County saved an average of $1006 this year thanks to visitors. According to a recent report released by Tourism Economics, Albany County welcomes more than 4,000 visitors each day, supporting 15,400 jobs and generating $518 million in labor income. Statewide, tourism is the fourth largest employer.
But tourism doesn't just create jobs, it offsets taxes. Last year, tourism generated $71 million dollars in local taxes and $54 million in state taxes.
"The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau works at both the state and regional levels to communicate the message that travel and tourism is a vital economic partner in the region's growth," says Michele Vennard, President and CEO of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "In 2015, thanks in part to our ongoing efforts, travelers spent $968 million in Albany County, generating $124 million in state and local taxes."
In fact, were it not for tourism, taxpayers would have had to fork over an additional $1006.
Tourism is also one of the few sectors of our economy that continues to grow each year. Last year, tourists spent $968 million in Albany County, and $1.9 billion in the region as a whole, up 3.3% over the year before.
"Tourism contributes to the county's bottom line, but it also fosters civic pride, reminding us all why we live here, and what makes this place so special," Vennard says.
Take a look at the infographic below to better illustrate the impact of tourism on Albany County:
About the ACCVB
The Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. was established in 1976 to promote the civic and commercial progress of the community through increased development of conventions and tourism. ACCVB currently represents more than 300 member businesses and assists each year in hundreds of regional meetings. ACCVB also operates the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, Henry Hudson Planetarium, and the Albany International Airport Information Center. For more information, call 518-434-1217 or 800-258-3582 or visit www.albany.org.
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