(Morrisville) – Visitors to Madison County spent a record $71.7 million in 2008, an increase of 1.5%.  This bucked national trends that saw a decrease in visitor spending last year according to the annual study released by Tourism Economics.  The tourism industry in the county also accounted for over $9 million in payroll, property, occupancy and sales taxes to state and local governments. 
The study, commissioned by the New York State Department of Economic Development, showed that Madison County’s tourism industry accounted for over $33 million in payrolls employing 1,684 people.  Tourism related businesses contributed more than $4.5 million to Madison County’s coffers in tax revenue in the form of sales, occupancy and property taxes.  Madison County Tourism, Inc. Executive Director Jim Walter says those are very important numbers, “The tourism industry in Madison County saves the average household $175 a year in property taxes.  If visitors were to stop coming and spending money in our hotels, restaurants and stores, it would be very detrimental to the county budget and to our household budgets.”
Visitors to Madison County spent their money over a wide range of items; $13 million was spent in area hotels on lodging, $2.7 million on recreation, $25 million on food and beverage sales, $14 million on shopping, $2.8 million on transportation and over $12 million was spent on second homes and camps.  Walter says those numbers prove how valuable the tourism industry is to this county, “We have very unique inns, B&B’s, restaurants and attractions in Madison County, and that benefits us from a quality of life standpoint and also from the standpoint that people love to come here and visit.  To see an increase in visitor spending in a year where gas prices were through the roof and the stock market was tumbling is very encouraging and it shows our industry is on a good track.” 
Walter also says 2009 should be a challenging year with the economy still struggling, but there is hope for the industry.  “I think that if we can get some stabilizing economic news, some signs that we are headed towards recovery, this vacation season can still be strong.  There is tremendous value in the vacation market right now, and people stayed home last year because of gas prices, so I do believe that we have an opportunity to shine if the economy can stabilize.” 
Madison County is home to wonderful festivals and over 40 B&B’s and Country Inns.  Reserve your vacation today at www.madisontourism.com

 


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