Tourism Keeps Cortland County’s Economy Thriving

Tourism has always been part of Cortland County’s character. From families hiking our trails to friends gathering over a local craft beer, every visitor who comes here leaves a footprint on our economy, and an impression on our community.

Newly released data from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, confirms what we already feel every weekend at our restaurants, hotels, and events: tourism is thriving.

A Big Picture Look

Across New York State, visitor spending climbed to $94 billion in 2024, a healthy 6.7% increase over the previous year. The Finger Lakes Region, which Cortland proudly calls home, saw a 2.1% increase, representing a $4.6 billion industry that supports more than 55,000 jobs.

Cortland's Local Impact

Closer to home, Cortland County brought in $104.8 million in traveler spending in 2024, a 0.6% increase from 2023 and a 34.3% jump since 2021. Visitors are spending across a wide range of experiences, with the biggest boosts going to:

• Food & Beverage: $50.2 million

• Lodging: $23.6 million

• Retail Sales: $16.4 million

• Recreation: $6.9 million

• Second Homes: $6.7 million

• Transportation: $1.0 million

“Tourism is not just about welcoming visitors. It’s a powerful driver of economic development,” said Michelle Enright, Executive Director of the Cortland County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Every dollar spent at our restaurants, hotels, attractions, and shops strengthens Cortland County’s economy, creates jobs, and builds opportunities for both residents and visitors. These numbers highlight the value of our tourism partners and the importance of continuing to invest in visitor experiences.”

Jobs and Community

The benefits of tourism ripple through the community in meaningful ways. It is a vital source of jobs and tax savings in Cortland County. In 2024 alone:

• Tourism supported 1,554 local jobs (9.2% of all county employment)
• Visitor spending put $39.8 million in wages and income directly into the hands of local families.
• Tourism contributed $11.6 million in state and local tax revenue, saving the average Cortland County household $616 per year.

That’s the equivalent of tourism helping to fund schools, roads, and services without raising property taxes.

More Than Numbers

Tourism in Cortland County goes beyond statistics though. It’s the family who discovers their new favorite hiking trail. It’s the college friends who reunite for a weekend of skiing. It’s the visitors who leave with a trunk full of local goods, and a promise to come back.

“Cortland County has so much to offer, from outdoor recreation and live entertainment to local food, craft beverages, and family-friendly experiences,” added Enright. “This report underscores what we already know: when people choose Cortland as their destination, they make a meaningful impact on the community. We’re proud to represent our tourism partners and look forward to building on this momentum.”

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