What does this measure?

The economic impact of the travel and tourism industry on a geographic area, measured by total expenditures related to travel/tourism expenses.

Why is this important?

Tourism brings external money into a region's economy, fueling the development of jobs, new industry and attractions. The sense that a region is a tourist destination also increases regional pride.

How is our county doing?

In 2018, over $1 billion was spent on travel and tourism in Essex County, good for $1,303 per county resident. This was a 3% increase from 2017 and a 18% increase for the county since 2006, both similar to the statewide increases over the same timeframes. Essex County comprised about 5.1% of the $20 billion spent statewide.

How do we compare to similar counties?

Essex County had a lower expenditure rate in 2018 than Middlesex County, MA. Middlesex received just under $2.9 billion in travel and tourism spending in 2018 or $1,800 per resident. This amounted to 15% of the statewide spending - reflecting a 14% increase since 2006.

Notes about the data

Figures presented are in 2019 dollars. Total expenditures include spending by domestic and international travelers in the region on transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment, recreation and other tourism-related expenses. Comparable data was not available for Lake, IL and Westchester, NY.