Community

Westchester Tourism has record-breaking year

Westchester County’s travel and tourism industry continues to grow with visitor spending reaching a record $1.82 billion in 2016, a 31 percent increase since 2009.

“Once again, these numbers show that tourism continues to be an economic driver for Westchester County,” said Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Year after year, more visitors come here for business and pleasure. More visitors mean more jobs for our residents. It’s great news for our county and it’s only getting better.”

City Perch Kitchen + Bar in Rivertowns Square in Dobbs Ferry. File photo

In 2016, visitor spending supported more than 24,000 jobs in Westchester and generated $221.8 million in tax revenues for state and local municipalities. This represents $291 in tax revenue for every household in the county. 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. In total, the travel and tourism industry has contributed $13.3 billion to Westchester’s economy since the end of the Great Recession in 2009.

Natasha Caputo, director of Westchester County Tourism & Film, said the county’s success as a tourism destination is the result of great industry partners who offer exceptional dining experiences, accommodations, recreation and cultural and entertainment attractions for every age and budget.

Spending in the food and beverage sector increased 5 percent to $526,885,000, a testament to the exceptional quality of dining throughout the county. Some notable newcomers include:

  • 3 Westerly Bar and Grill: The new waterfront dining experience conveniently located adjacent to the Ossining Metro-North Station and the NY Waterway Terminal. A nautical-themed gastropub housed within a distinctive free-standing lighthouse offers a variety of indoor and outdoor dining options.
  • Mediterraneo: In the heart of downtown White Plains, this is a seafood lover’s delight featuring an expansive, international wine list.
  • City Perch – Chef Sherry Yard, Tuck Hospitality Group chief operating officer and three-time James Beard Award winner recently inducted into the Foundation’s prestigious Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America, officially brings her critically acclaimed City Perch Kitchen + Bar. Located in Rivertowns Square in Dobbs Ferry, City Perch offers a variety of innovative Westchester localized dishes and a warm, inviting dining room with spacious environments befitting experiences including private dining and events.
  • Savor Westchester: A beautifully designed space and unique dining experience at The Westchester mall in White Plains with fantastic eateries, including al fresco patio dining.

The Recreation sector also posted gains in visitor spending last year, rising 4 percent to $171,905,000. This sector benefited from lively arts and culture venues, visual and performing arts events and attractions taking place year-round throughout the county. Some noteworthy recreation venues and happenings include:

Spending in the Lodging sector totaled $416,281,000, up 1 percent from 2015. Hotel activity in the county flattened in 2016, with room demand as measured by hotel room nights filled was down 1 percent to 1.7 million. The transportation and retail sectors showed little or no growth in 2016.