Dutchess County’s tourism industry continues to thrive with significant growth in visitor spending, job creation, and investment in attractions and amenities which increase residents’ quality of life. Data from the recently released 2023 Hudson Valley Tourism Economic Impact Report from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, highlights Dutchess County’s steady climb as a premier destination in New York State, underscoring the importance of tourism as a driving force in the local economy. Last year, the revenue generated from visitors to the county grew to more than three quarters of a billion dollars, reflecting a 7.1% increase year over year, with an average of more than $2 million spent daily. The record $756 million spent in 2023 was $50 million higher than the previous record set in 2022. 

Melaine Rottkamp, president and CEO of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI), emphasized the importance of tourism to the county’s economic well-being and the collaborative efforts behind the organization’s success driving visitors to the region. “Tourism plays an indispensable role in the strength and vitality of our community. The hard work and dedication of our staff, board of directors, marketing partners, hospitality businesses, funders and ambassadors ensures that Dutchess County remains a top-tier destination for visitors from all over the world.” 

She noted that DTI continues to leverage its proximity to key drivable markets while also targeting new opportunities through outreach to underrepresented groups. Additionally, international sales missions and partnerships with I Love NY and Brand USA increased interest from global markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Visitors to the county also contributed $93 million in local and state taxes, which were then reinvested into government programs such as those supporting parks and trails, roads and bridges, essential services, workforce development, youth programing and mental health. Without this net new money generated by visitors, each household in Dutchess County would need to pay an additional $817 in taxes to make up for the loss.

Sarah Lee, CEO of Think Dutchess Alliance for Business, said, “Dutchess County has evolved into a major hospitality hub, attracting investment from a number of businesses looking to serve visitors and especially to meet the growing demand for lodging, meeting and event space.” These include the Dassai Blue Sake Brewery and The Inn at Bellefield, a 137-suite hotel across from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, as well as The Heartwood at the Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts, and Home2 Suites in Poughkeepsie. In 2023, Dutchess County collected a record-breaking $4.5 million in occupancy taxes.

With that comes 9,854 tourism-related jobs, accounting for 9% of the county’s workforce. These come from a wide variety of sectors including hotels, restaurants, museums and historic sites, theaters and galleries, farms and craft beverage producers, as well as sports, festivals, parks, gardens and trails. Additionally, these jobs generated $389 million in wages, more than $10 million over 2022 earnings. Those wages are then spent back in the local economy on essentials like groceries, housing, transportation, clothing and other everyday expenses, further increasing the ripple effect of tourism.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino noted, “Tourism is a key component of Dutchess County’s economy and supporting our hospitality industry — comprised of so many small businesses — is essential for our stability and growth.” She added, “Dutchess Tourism’s award-winning efforts have helped elevate the county’s tourism offerings, resulting in an improved quality of life for residents in addition to attracting new visitors and those who return time and time again to our beautiful corner of the Hudson Valley.”

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About Dutchess Tourism
Dutchess Tourism, Inc., the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, it works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses and the community by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world. DTI has 20 Tourism Information Points located around Dutchess County to assist visitors with resources and information. Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess. DutchessTourism.com