The state's tourism industry set new records in 2017 for total visitation, economic impact and direct spending.  According to the Governor's office, New York State welcomed 243.8 million visitors last year, nearly 5 million more than the previous year and an 18% increase since 2011.

The total economic impact of tourism statewide reached a record 108.7 billion dollars, going over the 100 billion mark for the fourth straight year and resulting in an increase of nearly 22 billion dollars since 2011.

Tourism generated 8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2017 which is an increase of 3.6% from 2016, and tourism is now the third largest private sector employer in the state, supporting 938,000 jobs according to figures provided by the state Department of Labor.

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