Area counties lag state traveler spending

FINGER LAKES—Statewide tourist spending increased 6.2 percent in 2012, but the growth for visitor spending in area counties finished off that pace for the calendar year of 2012 vs. 2011.
The Finger Lakes region, consisting of 14 counties, recorded an overall 2 percent growth in tourism for 2012, which represents nearly $2.8 billion in revenue and supports 57,746 jobs.
For individual area counties in 2012, Schuyler County experienced a 3.8 percent increase, while Ontario was up 2.4 percent. Yates increased by .5 percent and Monroe was up .3 percent. Steuben was down .1 percent.
The largest percentage gain in the Finger Lakes region included Livingston County up 16.4 percent. Wayne posted an 8.2 percent increase, while Cayuga was 5 percent over their 2011 finish. Tompkins County was up 4.6 percent.
The New York state report also shows tourism is the most important segment of the income base for Yates County in the area. Tourism generated 11.6 percent of all labor income in the county. The study also said Schuyler County is the most dependent on tourism for work, with 12.4 percent of employment sustained by visitors.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo reviewed the results of the 2012 report last Thursday, July 11, in Albany. The study was produced by Tourism Economics. For more, see www.tourismeconomics.com.