Travelers are finding out what we are all about
Word is getting out that Allegany County does have what
people are looking for in ways of recreation and tourism. From the beautiful
outdoors and year-round, almost daily events, to our rich American History and
natural resources, our county is on an increasing path of tourism growth.
Tourism is attracting sportsmen, and women, young and old, artists, writers,
and those who just want relaxation time from their busy lives in their second
homes.
According to the New York State Tourism Impact Report for
2016, travelling across NY State expanded by 2.7% resulting in $65 billion in
revenue. It has gone up 22% since the recession of 2008. Direct spending in
total business was $105 billion in business sales, including direct and induced
impacts. There were 780,000 jobs in tourism in NYS, with $34.6 billion in
income from those jobs.
So what does that mean in terms for tourism in Allegany
County?
Between 2011 and 2016, traveler spending here has gone from
$54,074,000 to $64,614,000, an increase of $10,540,000 or an increase of 19.4%.
That means for every dollar spent by Allegany County for tourism has had a
return on investment of $458.
Those profits come from lodging, recreation, finance and
business, retail and services stations, transportation, and second homes.
Breaking it down further means taxpayers of Allegany County
have benefited through tourism growth in keeping their taxes from rising. Were
it not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in
Allegany County would have to pay an additional $419 annually to maintain the
same level of government revenue.
Traveler spending for lodging was $2,180,000 recreation was
$1,322,000 F&B was $11,822,000 Retail & Service Stations was $4,573,000
Transportation was $433,000 and Second Homes was $44,283,000 for the
$64,614,000 overall tourism spending total. Allegany County is number one in
traveler spending of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany County triangle when
it comes to traveler spending on second homes.
