In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the impressive findings from the 2023 \"I Love New York\" tourism economics report, highlighting a significant milestone for Ulster County. For the first time, visitor spending in the county surpassed the $1 billion mark, reaching an astounding $1,033,000,000. This surge in tourism is particularly noteworthy given that 14% of Ulster County's workforce is employed in the tourism sector.

Comparatively, Ulster County's visitor spending outperformed Dutchess County, which reported approximately $750 million, and Sullivan County, which brought in around $900 million. However, it still trails behind Westchester County and Orange County, which generated over $2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively, largely due to major attractions like Woodbury Commons and Legoland in Orange County.

The report also revealed that accommodations alone accounted for $572 million of Ulster County's total visitor spending, surpassing Westchester County's $518 million in the same category. This growth is attributed to a strategic partnership with an advertising agency, which has enhanced the county's visibility and occupancy rates compared to neighboring counties.

Officials noted that despite aggressive advertising efforts by Orange and Sullivan counties in the New York City market, Ulster County's occupancy rates have significantly outpaced theirs from April through August. The meeting underscored the importance of continued investment in tourism marketing, particularly as the occupancy tax was raised to 4%, which will help fund various community initiatives. The positive trends in tourism spending and occupancy rates signal a robust recovery and growth potential for Ulster County's economy.