Tourism Business Growing In Rockland: Report

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Tourism is big business for Rockland, according to a new report from the Empire State Development office about the economic impact of tourism in New York. Travelers spent three percent more in Rockland County in 2017 than they did a year earlier: an estimated $480,015.

That money is being spent in Rockland’s restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions. The top three attractions: The Palisades Center, the village of Nyack, and Bear Mountain.

The growth in tourism meant a 4 percent increase in tourism-related employment, county officials said: 9,060 jobs in 2017 compared to 8,673 in 2016. Tourism accounts for 7.3 percent of all employment in Rockland.

In addition to creating jobs, tourism generates significant state and local taxes, the report said. In Rockland, tourism resulted in an estimated $31.5 million in local taxes in 2017; an increase of 4 percent or just over $1 million from 2016.

“Tourism is big business," said County Executive Ed Day in an announcement about the report's findings. "Increases in tourism spending are helping fuel our economy and expand our tax base; every penny paid in taxes by these visitors is a penny that we, Rockland residents, do not have to spend."

Statewide, the tourism economy expanded in 2017, reaching a new high of $67.6 billion in traveler spending. International markets represented 30 percent of that spending base.

This coincides with increased outreach efforts, said Lucy Redzeposki, Rockland’s Director of Tourism and Economic Development. Outreach included places as close as Manhattan and Queens, and as far away as Scotland, Ireland and China.

“The County’s various attractions, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality related organizations are now working together to maximize their efforts to attract tourists,” said Redzeposki. “These partnerships have been crucial to the success of the tourism program. Together, we have put Rockland on the map!”

The 2017 hospitality economic indicators are proof that Rockland County’s tourism efforts are paying off, officials said.

"Our assets are being recognized by visitors who come to explore," Day said.

Rockland, with its proximity to NYC, is well on its way to becoming a 'destination.'

The tourism program includes: increased advertising with a focus on social media, attracting international tourists from China, participating in national and international sales missions, supporting local efforts such as Visit Nyack and Explore Harriman, promoting the river towns, investing in various events and festivals, and fostering a robust filming program. In addition, the tourism website, explorerocklandny.com, includes a Chinese microsite that has been the recognized with various awards.

The report also stated that “Were it not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in Rockland County would have to pay an additional $585 to maintain the same level of government revenue.”

“These numbers show that our efforts to increase visibility and awareness are paying dividends. Not only are taxpayers benefiting by the money being spent here but these visitors get to experience the best that Rockland County has to offer,” Day said.

PHOTO: Palisades Center/ John Lyon