Where In New York Tourists Are Traveling To The Most

A record number of tourists traveled to the Empire State in the past year. We found out what parts of the state tourists are flocking to the most.

Gov. Kathy Hochul proudly announced New York State is setting tourism records.

Historic 306.3 Million Visitors Explored the Empire State in 2023 – the Most in New York State History

According to Hochul's office, a record-setting 306.3 million visitors came to New York State in 2023.

“New York State is synonymous with tourism; it's part of the fabric, history and economy of our incredibly diverse state,” Hochul said. “As we approach the fall foliage and travel season, we are welcoming more visitors than ever, and their presence is supporting businesses and communities in every corner of the state.”

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Over 306 million visitors mark a 12 percent increase from 2022. New York State set a new record in 2022, which was smashed in 2023.

Tourism Generated $88 Billion in Direct Spending and $137 Billion in Total Economic Impact, Exceeding Previous Highs in 2022

New York State also set new records for direct visitor spending and total economic impact associated with the state's tourism industry.

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Visitors spent a record-high $88 billion in direct spending, and supported a historic $137 billion in total economic impact across the state, according to Hochul.

New York State Remains Top Travel Destination

Officials say the state remains a top destination and travel demand is strong in the post-pandemic era.

“While some experts feared a post-COVID tourism bubble with travelers satisfying their pent up demand for travel in 2022, New York State tourism showed no sign of letting up in 2023 and defied any expectation by reaching record high levels of visitation, visitor spending, economic impact and tax generation," Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said.

Where In New York Tourists Are Traveling To

According to state officials, each of the state's 11 vacation regions experienced sustained growth.

The 11 vacation regions are:

• Adirondacks
• Capital-Saratoga
• Catskills
• Central New York
• Chautauqua-Allegheny
• Finger Lakes
• Greater Niagara
• Hudson Valley
• Long Island
• New York City
• Thousand Islands-Seaway

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Most Tourists In Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara region, Long Island and New York City

The Finger Lakes, Greater Niagara region, Long Island and New York City all enjoyed visitor spending increases of over 10 percent in 2023, according to Hochul's office.

"This accomplishment reflects an increase in tourism across all of New York State which could not have been made possible without the dedicated efforts of everyone in the tourism industry and the impactful policies supporting New York’s tourism sector," Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development, stated. "Together, we will continue securing New York’s position as a top global destination.”

Tourists may be in for a rude awakening when it comes to bed bugs. That's because parts of the state are crawling with more bed bugs than most of America. See the full list below:

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