Orleans County Tourism celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week
Travel powers the economy, connects America
File photo by Tom Rivers: A kid is excited to see a big barge moving part of a bridge on the Erie Canal in Holley last July 15. The barge was headed west with the Bennetts Corners Road bridge in the background. The Erie Canal and Orleans County are both celebrating their 200th anniversaries this year.
Press Release, Orleans County Tourism
ALBION – Orleans County Tourism is proud to take part in National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), which runs from May 4-11. The goal is to shine a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.
“Travel is one of our nation’s most powerful economic engines—supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “National Travel and Tourism Week reinforces the pivotal role travel plays in building a stronger, more prosperous America.”
Since 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week has highlighted the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue, equivalent to $1,490 per household.
Locally, Orleans County continues to see strong results from tourism. The county’s bed tax revenues topped $100,000 for the third consecutive year in 2024, reaching $116,712. That total is just shy of the all-time high of $119,003 in 2023. Orleans County first surpassed the $100,000 mark in 2022, collecting $111,548 in bed tax revenue.
Tourism in Orleans County is driven by unique regional assets, including world-class sportfishing on Lake Ontario, the historic Erie Canal Trail and destinations like the Medina Railroad Museum, Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum and the Cobblestone Museum.
Sportfishing alone generates an estimated $28 million annually in the county, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s 2017 Angler Survey. Out-of-state anglers account for 70 percent of the fishing economic output in Orleans County, $19,620,488 of the $27,989,393. County residents who fish accounted for $1,767,334 in economic activity while other New York state residents outside Orleans represented another $6,601,571.
This year also marks a major milestone: the bicentennials of both Orleans County and the Erie Canal. With a full slate of summer events planned to celebrate 200 years of local and state history, the Orleans County Tourism Office aims to attract even more visitors in 2025.
“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Dawn Borchert, director of Orleans County Tourism. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life. We’re especially excited to welcome visitors as we celebrate these significant bicentennial anniversaries.”
Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.
About Orleans County Tourism
Orleans County Tourism is the tourism promotion agency for Orleans County, New York, dedicated to promoting the county’s unique attractions, events and experiences to visitors from near and far.
Situated between Rochester and Niagara Falls, the county offers a blend of rural charm, scenic waterfronts and rich heritage. The office also supports local festivals, agritourism and community initiatives that strengthen the area’s appeal as a year-round destination. With a focus on economic growth through travel, Orleans County Tourism works to boost visitor spending, support small businesses and share the stories that make the region special.
