For Immediate Release 
December 18, 2025 

 

ONTARIO COUNTY, NY — The tourism industry generated $377.7 million in visitor spending in Ontario County in 2024; the third largest spend in the 14 county Finger Lakes region, according to the recently released Tourism Economic Impact report by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, for Empire State Development and I LOVE NY.  

Visitor spending grew by 3.7% over 2023, producing significant benefits for residents, local businesses, and municipal services. That growth generated $22.2 million in state tax revenue, a 4.6% increase, and $22.7 million in local tax revenue, a 2.2% increase. Traveler spending was measured in the following categories: 
 

  • Lodging: $104.9 million 

  • Entertainment and Recreation: $33.2 million, a major increase from $16 million previously 

  • Food and Beverage: $148.0 million 

  • Retail and Service Stations: $45.8 million 

  • Transportation: $20.7 million 

  • Second Homes: $25.0 million 


Tourism contributed 5% of all personal income in Ontario County and supported 5,150 jobs last year, accounting for 8.1% of total regional employment. According to the report, “were it not for tourism-generated state and local taxes, the average household in the county would have to pay an additional $942 to maintain the same level of government revenue.”  

“Tourism plays a vital role in Ontario County’s economy,” said Alicia Richie Quinn, President & CEO of Finger Lakes Visitors Connection. “Visitor spending supports local jobs and businesses, promotes local talent, preserves our heritage, and strengthens community infrastructure and economic development across the Finger Lakes region and New York State.” 

Statewide, New York tourism generated $94 billion in visitor spending, a 6.7% increase compared to 2023, and $145.2 billion in total economic impact. For the full report, visit visitfingerlakes.com/partners/research-and-resources/.  

Ending its 2025 fiscal year (9.30.25), Finger Lakes Visitors Connection (FLVC) promoted tourism for Ontario County across leisure and meetings markets through social media, content development and distribution via VisitFingerLakes.com and monthly newsletters, public relations initiatives, business development, and cooperative marketing. 

To expand the county’s reach regionally and statewide, FLVC partnered with organizations including the Finger Lakes Regional Tourism Council (FLRTC), the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA), and the New York State Destination Marketing Organization (NYSDMO). Key initiatives included: 
 

  • NYSTIA Tourism Conference: Hosted conference brought more than 200 tourism professionals from across New York State to Ontario County to elevate the impact of the visitor economy to our individual destinations. 

  • Brave Women FLX: In collaboration with FLRTC, FLVC hosted travel writer Mion Edwards, resulting in the Matador Network article “Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in New York’s Finger Lakes to Honor Women” (readership: 448,400), featuring several women owned Ontario County businesses. 

  • The Water Fronts: Collaboration with waterfront resort destinations Watkins Glen, Chautauqua County, 1000 Islands, and Cooperstown brought meetings market awareness through a digital marketing campaign. 


FLVC secured 184 media placements across 50 regional, national, and international outlets, generating approximately 487.6 million impressions, including coverage in Condé Nast Traveler, AFAR, and Forbes. Additional PR efforts included targeted pitching, 12 hosted familiarization (FAM) tours, and international outreach and advertising focused on the Canadian market, Ontario County’s top international visitor driver, in outlets such as East Coast Traveler. 

President & CEO, Alicia Richie Quinn, added “with endless opportunities across the region—such as Wine Enthusiast naming the Finger Lakes the Wine Region of the Year—we are excited to continue sharing our story and committed to building sustainable, community-driven tourism strategies that make our region a vibrant destination where both residents and visitors thrive.” 

For more of FLVC’s annual accomplishments, view the 2025 Annual Report at visitfingerlakes.com/about-us/local-development-corporation/. 

 

### 

 

About Finger Lakes Visitors Connection 
Finger Lakes Visitors Connection is the tourism promotion and management agency for Ontario County. Our mission is to curate, distinguish, and develop Ontario County’s destination brand to inspire travel that creates economic vitality for our stakeholders and communities, and provides quality of life benefits for our residents. More information is available at visitfingerlakes.com. 

 

Media Contact 

Alicia Richie Quinn, CDME 
President & CEO 
alicia@visitfingerlakes.com 

 

Carolina Taylor 
Public Relations and Communications 
carolina@visitfingerlakes.com