Along with new attractions, venerable places like the FDR Library and Museum
continue to attract many visitors
POUGHKEEPSIE – Tourism spending in Dutchess County increased by 7.6 percent in 2016 over 2015 to more than $568 million, according to Tourism Economics. This is the seventh consecutive year spending has increased and the one with the largest annual jump.
More than 4.75 million people visit Dutchess annually. In addition to the half a billion dollars spent, they also generated $40.9 million in local taxes and $31.7 million for the state.
Dutchess Tourism President Mary Kay Vrba said tourism in the county and
Hudson Valley as a whole continues to grow.
“With the new hotels that are popping up, with the renovations of some of our existing sites like Trout Back, and also, a major increase in the craft beverage destinations with our distilleries and our breweries popping up, people are always interested in food and I think that has an impact on what we are doing as well as an increase in some of our outdoor activities,” she said.
Vrba said Dutchess is fast becoming a destination for biking and hiking.
Tourism is the state’s fourth largest industry and employs 10,484 people in Dutchess County.
“As an industry, employer and economic engine, tourism continues to grow,” said County Executive Marcus Molinaro.
