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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday September 8, 2008

NY TOURISM BUCKS THE TREND; 2007 RUNS NINE PERCENT ABOVE 2006

Contact:  Kristen Matejka        
Director of Marketing and Communications LICVB&SC
631 951-3900 xt.317

HAUPPAUGE, NY -(September 8, 2008)-New York State’s travel and tourism industry, which generates $6.8 billion in state and local taxes, last year chocked up its fourth consecutive growth year, despite the sub-prime mortgage and credit crunch, rising gasoline prices and widely reported economic slowdown.  And, that trend appears to be holding.

In 2007, visitor spending jumped 9.3 percent compared to 2006.  Visitors to the State left behind an estimated $51 billion, $14.4 billion of which came from international travelers (including Canadians). 

“What is truly phenomenal,” according to Mary Kay Vrba, president of the New York  State Tourism Promotion Agencies Council (NYS TPA Council) and tourism director for Dutchess County, “is that the growth appears to be continuing right into 2008.”  Ms. Vrba attributed the growth to the aggressive marketing efforts of the individual county and regional tourism organizations; the Council’s co-operative advertising campaign with the State’s Division of Tourism and the brand-awareness of “I?NY.” 

On Long Island, hotel occupancy rates climbed to 70.87% at year-end 2007, compared with occupancy rates of 67.93% in 2006. And summer 2008 summer occupancies appeared to be at least on par with the prior year. Final August occupancy numbers are expected to come in mid-September.

Already, 2008 average daily rates (ADR) on Long Island were higher than the previous year, with final August numbers expected mid-September. And, the 2007 ADR of $127.58 was quite a bit stronger than the ADR of $124.56 at year-end 2006.

According to the NYS TPA Council, the biggest gains were made in overseas visitor spending – 15 percent more in 2007 than 2006 -- and Canadian – 13 percent.  Domestic visitor spending rose seven percent.  Gary DeYoung, Thousand Islands International Council noted that the strong showing by Canadian visitors is a direct result of the two countries currencies being roughly at par.  “Canadian visitors are no longer taking a monetary beating on this side of the border, he said.  “It makes our side of the border much more attractive.”
 

The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) was established in 1979 as the official tourism promotion agency for the destination’s travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and related activities. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-586-6654 or visit www.discoverlongisland.com.

Press Contact Email: kmatejka@discoverlongisland.com

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330 Motor Parkway, Suite 203, Hauppauge, NY 11788  (631) 951-3900


     

 

 

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