The Beat

Historic 306.3 Million Visitors Explored the Empire State in 2023 – the Most in New York State History

Tourism Generated $88 Billion in Direct Spending and $137 Billion in Total Economic Impact, Exceeding Previous Highs in 2022

Ahead of Fall Travel Season, I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Reports Begin on September 12 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York welcomed a record-setting 306.3 million visitors in 2023, while also setting new historic highs for direct visitor spending and total economic impact associated with the state's tourism industry. Visitors to New York State contributed to a record-high $88 billion in direct spending, and supported a historic $137 billion in total economic impact across the state. The Governor made the announcement at the Great New York State Fair, a perennially popular seasonal tourism attraction and economic driver. This data, compiled in a series of reports prepared by Tourism Economics, represents significant gains over the then-record-setting numbers from 2022, and far surpass the highest numbers achieved prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cruise up the Hudson River on New York's #1 Floating Oktoberfest-Themed 8-Hour Weekend Excursion Featuring Food, Drink Specials, and Live Music 

New York, NY (September 21, 2023) – Circle Line, home of New York City's most iconic sightseeing cruises, is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Bear Mountain Cruise, featuring Oktoberfest-themed food, drinks, and music. Encounter the beauty of fall on the captivating eight-hour, fifty-mile journey up the Hudson River to Bear Mountain State Park. On weekends from September 30 to November 12, guests can embark on an unforgettable adventure with an itinerary filled with fun seasonal activities showcasing the ultimate New York fall and Oktoberfest experience. …

Early Notable Color Changes Reported in Several Regions

Albany, NY – This is the first 2023 I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon. 

New York State’s 2023 fall foliage season is underway, with the first signs of the spectacular seasonal colors to come appearing in several regions, including the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands-Seaway, Catskills, and Chautauqua-Allegheny. This is according to the field reports from volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.

October Shuttle Promotes Public Safety by Providing Free, Convenient Access from North Hudson to Popular Adirondack High Peaks Trailheads

Part of State's Ongoing Commitment to Safety, Sustainable Use, and Equitable Access to the Outdoors  

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new, free shuttle service for visitors traveling to see the fall foliage in the Adirondacks starting this weekend in North Hudson. Shuttles will run the first two weekends in October from the Frontier Town Gateway to the Giant Mountain, Roaring Brook Falls, and Rooster Comb trailheads, as well as the Marcy Field Parking Area.

Lake Placid, NY – The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) announces details for a trio of exciting fall festivals coming to the Olympic Region this fall.    

Jumpapalooza   

The USA Nordic National Championships, U.S. Ski Jumping competition, and U.S. Nordic Combined National Championships all converge at Lake Placid’s Olympic Jumping Complex Friday evening, September 30, and Saturday, October 1.

Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2

Area farms and specially curated local products will showcase alongside food and drink tastings at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park and Hudson Valley Rail Trail

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (September 7, 2022) –  The Walktoberfest Farmers and Makers Market brings a curated selection of the Hudson Valley’s finest producers, including farms, distilleries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and west approach to Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 from 12-5 p.m.  Vendors will exhibit their wares for tasting or purchase, allowing participants to support many local agribusinesses all in one beautiful location.

Notable Color Changes Reported in Several Regions

Albany, NY – This is the first 2022 I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon.  

New York State’s 2022 fall foliage season is underway, with the first signs of the spectacular seasonal colors to come appearing in several regions, including the Adirondacks, Thousand Islands-Seaway, Catskills, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Chautauqua-Allegheny, Greater Niagara, and Hudson Valley. This is according to the field reports from volunteer observers for the Empire State Development Division of Tourism’s I LOVE NY program.

View Weekly I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Reports Available Every Wednesday, Beginning September 14, Here

Watch New Broadcast and Digital Marketing Campaign Showcasing Popular Seasonal Attractions and Destinations Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of New York State's 2022 fall foliage and travel season, highlighted by the return of I LOVE NY's Fall Foliage Reports and a new I LOVE NY broadcast and digital marketing campaign to showcase popular fall activities and attractions. I LOVE NY is also collaborating with the state's network of heritage tourism destinations on this year's Path Through History Weekend, scheduled for October 8 to 10, which will feature special events and activations at the state's rich history and historic sites.

8-Hour Weekend Excursion Series Features German-Themed Food and Drink Specials, Live Music, and Unbeatable Views of Fall Foliage

New York, NY (August 24, 2022) – Circle Line, home of New York City’s most iconic sightseeing cruises, will kick off the Fall season with the return of its annual Bear Mountain Cruise, featuring on-board Oktoberfest-themed food and drink specials, live music, and unbeatable views of fall foliage as guests cruise up the Hudson River. The eight-hour round-trip excursion will run every weekend from Saturday, September 17 through Sunday, November 13, 2022, providing locals and tourists alike with a breathtaking scenic escape from the bustling city streets of New York.

The weekly fall foliage reports compiled by Empire State Development's Division of Tourism (I LOVE NY) return for the 2022 season on Wednesday, September 14. Each report uses the on-location field observations from I LOVE NY's team of more than 85 volunteer leaf spotters. Reports detail the predominant leaf colors, approximate percentage of change, and how much color change has progressed relative to peak conditions in each region of New York State. The reports are scheduled to run every Wednesday through the end of the foliage season, traditionally in mid-November.