On Friday, February 21st, industry leaders, elected officials, and local business owners gathered at Resorts World Catskills for the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s (NYSHTA) Legislative Networking Breakfast. The event provided a vital forum for discussions on key legislative issues affecting the hospitality and tourism sectors, with a special focus on the economic impact of tourism in the Catskills region.
Mark Dorr, President of NYSHTA, and Herb Clark of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA), addressed attendees, offering insights into the state of the industry and upcoming legislative priorities. In his remarks, Clark highlighted the continued strength of the tourism sector, stating that in 2023, visitor spending in the region reached an impressive $2.5 billion, marking a 7% increase from 2022. In 2023, tourism generated $268 million in state and local taxes. To put this in perspective, without the revenue generated by tourism, the average household in our region would have to pay an additional $1,931 in taxes.
One of the key discussions during the breakfast centered around the impact of short-term rentals on the tourism industry. As this sector continues to evolve, finding a balance between supporting tourism growth and ensuring fair regulations remains a critical conversation.
Other legislative topics addressed included NYSHTA’s advocacy for the Tourism Promotion Matching Grant Program, which provides crucial funding to destination marketing organizations like SCVA, and enhancements to the Film Tax Credit Program, which aims to attract more productions to the region.
The event was well-attended by local business leaders, tourism professionals, and elected officials, all eager to collaborate on policies that support the continued growth of the industry. As tourism remains a driving force in the Catskills economy, events like this serve as an essential platform for fostering dialogue and advocating for policies that benefit the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on how SCVA is working to champion the tourism industry and support local businesses in the Sullivan Catskills.
