Tourism spending in Erie County sets new record in 2023: Total hits $2.4 billion, up 11.2 percent from 2022

By Michelle Kearns

Visitor economic impact in Erie County has continued to surpass pre-pandemic levels to reach a new high: Traveler spending rose 11.2 percent to $2.4 billion in 2023, going above the previous $2.2 billion high of 2022, according to the latest economic impact study.

Spending in Erie County represents 64 percent of the region’s 2023 tourism sales. Increases from 2022 by business category are:

• Lodging spending was $455 million, up by 13.5 percent.

• Recreation spending was $267 million, up by 16.1 percent.

• Food and beverage was $1.03 billion, up by 11.1 percent.

• Retail was $465 million, up by 5.2 percent.

• Transportation was $181 million, up by 18.3 percent.

• Second home ownership was $23 million, up by 4.5 percent.

The increase in tourism spending has also impacted employment: The number of people employed in tourism related jobs is 28,650, which is up 4.6 percent.

Were it not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in Erie County would have to pay an additional $648 annually, said Patrick Kaler, Visit Buffalo Niagara’s president and CEO. This tax contribution is up 9 percent from 2022, he said.

“Buffalo and Erie County are fortunate to have an exciting visitor experience that continues to bring more visitors year after year,” Kaler said. “Tourism has also proven to be a good job creator for Western New York. This is especially true in Erie County.”

With nearly 29,000 tourism-related local jobs counted, there is an 11.2 percent increase in overall labor income in 2023, he said.

Kaler is also encouraged by the growth in leisure travel from New York City and other markets that he expects to see continued growth in: Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

“Visitors from those areas tend to stay longer and spend more money than people who drive to Buffalo from closer places like Central New York, Cleveland and Pittsburgh,” said Kaler.

The study, published this month, was commissioned by New York State and conducted by the Oxford Economics Company, Tourism Economics.

Find the complete 2023 tourism reports online here.

Visit Buffalo Niagara sells and markets our assets and attractions to visitors outside of the Buffalo Niagara region as a convention, tourism and leisure destination for the economic benefit of the community.