Visitors spent nearly $2.5 billion in the Adirondack Region last year, up from $2.3 billion in 2023, with Warren County representing 37 percent of the region’s tourism sales ($928 million). Essex County narrowly led with 39 percent ($964 million), according to the latest statewide impact study by Tourism Economics.
The Adirondack Region, defined as Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Lewis and Warren counties, continues to rely heavily on tourism. Nearly 19 percent of all employment in the six-county area is generated by the industry. Warren County led the region in 2024, supporting 8,610 tourism-related jobs.
Visitor spending in Warren County increased from $887.8 million in 2023 to $928.2 million in 2024, a rise of 4.5 percent. Lodging showed the largest growth, climbing from $446 million to $467 million. Spending also generated more than $58.2 million in local tax revenue, up 2.8 percent, and $54.5 million in state tax revenue, up 5.2 percent.
Tourism remains one of the county’s most important economic drivers. Warren County Tourism Director Heather Bagshaw noted that without tourism revenue, each household would need to contribute an additional $3,750 annually to maintain current levels of government services.
Across the Adirondack Region, visitor spending generated $153.7 million in local tax revenue and $136 million in state tax revenue. Together, Warren and Essex counties accounted for more than three-quarters of the region’s $2.5 billion in visitor spending.
Statewide, visitor spending reached $93.99 billion in 2024, up 6.7 percent from the previous year and 27.7 percent higher than before the pandemic. Tourism remains one of New York’s largest industries, supporting close to 1 million jobs and generating billions in tax revenue that benefits communities across the state.
This article is based on information provided by the Warren County Tourism Department and the 2024 statewide tourism impact report compiled by Tourism Economics.
For more information, contact: Heather Bagshaw, Tourism Director, Warren County Tourism Department, bagshaw@warrencountyny.gov, 518-761-7653.