A new report prepared for the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing is showing a resurgence in that sector with tourists visiting the state spending more.
The report shows that while the number of visitors to Vermont since 2009 increased 1-point-8 percent, visitor spending has jumped 19-point-4 percent.
Most of the increase in spending from the 14 million visitors to the state was for lodging and food.
Total room receipts increased over 55-million dollars between 2009 and 2011 and totaled 402-million dollars. Two counties, Chittenden and Lamoille, accounted for nearly half that growth. Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing Spokesperson Jen Butson.
The report was presented at the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. CEO Marji Graf says the Okemo region is very weather dependent for tourism, but they are encouraged by the resurgence in visits.
While they will not have a formal report until spring, tourism officials in New York’s Adirondacks say there’s also more tourism spending there. Lake Placid-based Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism President Jim McKenna notes that current receipts indicate growth.
There are nearly 80 million people within the drive markets to the north and south, and regional tourism officials target areas that include Montreal, Toronto, New York City and Boston.
