Tourism Boosts Westchester's Economy by $1.74 Billion in 2014: New Record

Visitor spending in Westchester hit a record $1.74 billion in 2014 and is on pace to top that number in 2015, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced Thursday.

“These numbers show the growing popularity of Westchester as the ‘Meet Me’ destination in the Hudson Valley,” said Astorino in a statement, adding that since 2010, tourism has added $8.3 billion to the county’s economy. “Whether for business or pleasure, Westchester is attracting more and more visitors and that’s great news for our economy.”

In 2014, visitor spending supported 23,681 jobs in Westchester, 6 percent of all jobs in the county. At the same time, tourism generated $207.7 million in revenue for the county and local municipalities, representing $600 for every household in the county.

Overall, visitor spending grew 14 percent – more than $200 million – over five years. Westchester’s tourism industry, which ranks third in the state behind New York City and Long Island, represents 52 percent of all visitor spending in the Hudson Valley region.

Natasha Caputo, Director of Westchester County Tourism & Film, said upcoming attractions for the fall season will add to the momentum of Westchester’s tourism industry:

• American Gold Cup. Rated as the United States’ No. 1 competition by the North American Riders Group, the American Gold Cup returns to Old Salem Farm September 9-13.
• Circus Latino! A 90-foot “Big Top” tent with the sound and energy of Brazilian and Ecuadorian bands combined with the artistry of aerialists and acrobats, at Edge-on-Hudson on September 18-20.
• SOWE Music Festival. Featuring three stages of world class rock, dozens of top national and regional artists, beer, wine food trucks, carnival rides and more, this festival takes place on September 19 at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck.
• White Plains Jazz Fest. A four-day jazz and blues celebration featuring seven live music concert events, located at venues throughout downtown White Plains on September 24-27.
• Westchester Knicks. The official NBA Development League affiliate of the New York Knicks enters its second season as Westchester County’s only professional sports franchise. Season tickets for the 2015-16 season start at just $10 per game.
• Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture’s Harvest Fest. The community celebration on October 3 includes hands-on farming and food activities, live music, a farmers market with delicious seasonal fare, hayrides and more.

For more information, please visit Westchester County Tourism & Film’s website, read the Westchester County Destination Guide, call (800) 833-9282, or follow the department on Facebook and Twitter.