SULLIVAN CATSKILLS – The Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) recently announced a significant increase in tourism spending that has put Sullivan County on the map as a premier travel destination. The county has seen a tremendous surge in tourism that has helped it fly by pre-pandemic numbers. 

According to data compiled by Tourism Economics, traveler spending in Sullivan County in 2022 grew 25.8 percent, an increase of 154.4 percent over 2019 spending. 

The report also states that the average Sullivan County household saved $3,370 in taxes due to state and local tax revenues generated by tourism. 

“It’s heartwarming to see so many people discovering the natural beauty and vibrant culture that our county has to offer,” Sullivan Catskills President and CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood said. “The economic impact of this surge in tourism spending is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local businesses and tourism industry partners.”

As the tourism sector continues to thrive, steps are being taken by the SCVA to help preserve the natural beauty of the county and keep people coming in. There is an exciting lineup of events and activities planned for the remainder of this year and 2024, including the Catskill Cuisine and Callicoon ArtWalk. 

“The fact that tourists are coming to the Sullivan Catskills and choosing to spend their discretionary income here is not an accident,” Eric Frances, SCVA Chairman and CEO of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, said. “Businesses in this community do an extraordinary job working together to create exceptional programming and unique experiences that attract visitors near and far. With exciting new events like Catskill Cuisine returning next year, there is the potential for even more explosive growth on the horizon.”

On top of the various events and exciting activities, the Callicoon Depot Visitor’s Center Project, a collaboration between the Callicoon Business Association (CBA), Callicoon Depot Inc. (CDI) the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (UDSB) and Delaware Valley Job Corps, continues to make progress. The Callicoon Depot Visitor’s Center will help to create a sort of headquarters for visitors to the region as they check out all the events, activities and more going on throughout Sullivan County. 

Nicole Vallance, President of the CBA, said that construction has resumed this week on the new stage [former loading dock] in front of the Depot and is still on track to be completed ahead of this year’s Callicoon ArtWalk (October 6-8) — barring any weather related delays. 

“The report from Tourism Economics verifies what those of us who live and work in the picturesque Catskills already know – tourism and the associated businesses are critical to our local economy,” said New York State Senator Peter Oberacker. “The positive growth experienced throughout the region is proof that we must continue to invest in our infrastructure while advancing government policies that will support this key sector.”

“This dramatic, and fantastic resurrection is no accident. Congratulations to the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association, and their CEO, Roberta Byron-Lockwood, for their unwavering dedication to promoting tourism, bolstering tax revenue, and fortifying our Sullivan County community,” New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther said. “I have worked with Roberta for years, and she and her team have been steadfast supporters of the Sullivan Catskills. We must all stand together to support them and ensure they can continue their great work.”