NORWICH – Despite a shaky national economy, tourism spending in Chenango has seen a steady increase in momentum over the last four years, according to a new report from Commerce Chenango.

The latest numbers show visitor spending added $48.4 million to Chenango County’s economy in 2024 and grew county tax revenue by $2.8 million.

All told, Chenango County saw visitor spending climb from $44.4 million in 2023 to $48.4 million in 2024, an 8.9% increase, outpacing other counties in the region, including Oneida (6.4%), Broome (5.2%), Otsego (8.4%), Herkimer (2.3%), Madison (6.3%), Schoharie (0.2%), and Montgomery (4.9%).

Commerce Chenango’s report also highlighted stable trends and growth in other areas of tourism, including:

● Lodging and accommodations: $3 million (2022), $3 million (2023), $3.4 million (2024)

● Recreation and entertainment: $1 million (2022), $1 million (2023), $1 million (2024)

● Food and beverage: $10 million (2022), $11 million (2023), $11.6 million (2024)

● Retail goods and services: $3 million (2022), $3 million (2023), $3.2 million (2024)

● Local transportation: $1 million (2022), $1 million (2023), $1.5 million (2024)

● Vacation property and second homes: $23 million (2022), $25 million (2023), $27.8 million (2024)

● Local employment income: $8 million (2022), $14 million (2023), $14.6 million (2024)

Sal Testani, Commerce Chenango president and CEO, attributes the gains to shifts in the agency’s advertising strategy – which now relies heavily on outside consultants – and an increase in visitors as a result.

“We’re doing well. We’re performing well. Your investment is working,” Testani told members of the Chenango County Planning and Economic Development Committee on Thursday. “We are competing on a regional level.”

“This is the key thing to keeping property taxes low,” said Norwich Supervisor Robert Jeffrey. “Plus it helps with the quality of life.”

Commerce Chenango’s tourism efforts are supported by a combination of funds allocated in the annual county budget and money garnered through added taxes on lodging in the county (referred to as a “bed tax”). Last year, the agency received $51,000 from the county and another $91,000 from the county’s bed tax to promote tourism and economic development. Testani said he expects more money will be garnered through the bed tax with the completion of the Principle Hotel currently being constructed in downtown Norwich.

“Tourism is not just about getting people to come to our community,” said Testani. “Tourism is about getting people to stay here, live here, and promote our economy.”