Rockland tallies tourism value, issues grants

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Director of Economic Development and Tourism Lucy Redzeposki on Jan. 12 announced $298,000 in grants to 31 organizations promoting tourism in the county. At the same time, Day cited benefits of tourism to the county, including tax revenue it generates.

“Tourism has endless benefits; it creates jobs, strengthens economies, and contributes to infrastructure development,” Day said. “Since 2014, the sales tax revenue collected in the County of Rockland has increased every year except for 2020, due to the pandemic shutdowns. It’s investments in our local economy including our Tourism Grant Awards that are a direct contribution of this success as tourism offsets costs for residents.”

Day expressed confidence that the tourism grants will be effectively used by the recipients to promote the county.

“We also know this will bring visitors who once they experience our theaters, art centers, riverfronts, and downtowns, will keep coming back,” Day said.