To anyone in the industry, it”™s no surprise that tourism is a major force in Westchester County. But what might be surprising is the amount of money it does bring in.
“Travel and tourism is a $1.7 billion industry for Westchester and represents 53 percent of all visitor spending in the Hudson Valley region,” said Tracey Corbitt, principal planner of the county”™s Department of Planning.
“In 2012, we had a two percent increase in spending, up $26 million over the previous year. The industry has regained all of its recessionary losses and currently exceeds its 2007 level of $1.66 billion.”
Corbitt made her remarks at the recent meeting of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association (WMOA) at Harbor Square in Ossining.
“One of WMOA”™s major concerns is economic development in the county,” said Ossining Mayor William R. Hanauer. This year marks the village”™s bicentennial year and Hanauer”™s start as president of WMOA.
“Tracey Corbitt”™s presentation on the proposed historic Sing Sing Prison museum and tourism in general, including its effect on the future of the economy of the village and the region, was a perfect way to launch a new season of activity for our organization.”
