New Data Highlights Tourism Growth in Oswego County

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Tourism Office announces that the most recent tourism statistics released by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY shows that visitor spending in New York’s Thousand Islands Region increased in 2025.

This includes Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. The information provides insight into a variety of topics, including impacts on the economy, personal income, employment and taxes.

“Tourism is a huge economic driver in our communities, and we’re pleased to see that momentum continue,” said Oswego County Legislator Mary Ellen Chesbro, District 10, chairwoman of the Legislature’s Economic Development and Planning Committee. “In 2025, Oswego County was the only county in the Thousand Islands Region to experience an increase in visitor spending, while also recording the largest increase in state and local tax revenue.”

According to the data, visitors spent $239.4 million in 2025, a 1.9% increase from 2024. Visitor spending went toward lodging, recreation, food and beverage, retail and service stations, transportation and second homes.

“We’re excited to see an increase in visitor spending and the positive impact tourism has on our local businesses and residents,” said Oswego County Community Development, Tourism and Planning Director Tim Stahl. “We look forward to sustaining this growth through continued marketing efforts and partnerships that showcase all our county has to offer and position us as a premier destination for visitors from near and far.”

Revenue from state taxes increased by 3.4%, while local tax revenue rose by 1.6%. Tourism-generated state and local taxes had a $27 million tax impact in Oswego County, resulting in tax savings of $572 per household.

“This demonstrates the significant impact tourism has on our local economy and, most importantly, on our taxpayers,” Chesbro added. “Without the revenue generated through visitor spending, the average Oswego County household would need to pay an additional $572 in taxes to keep the same level of services. That shows just how important the industry is to maintaining the strength and sustainability of our communities.”

Visitor spending also contributes to employment and personal income. Tourism had a $94.5 million impact on personal income, and 2,809 jobs were supported by tourism. Tourism in Oswego County accounted for 4.5% of all personal income in 2025.

“Unique attractions such as Oswego Speedway and the Salmon River Fish Hatchery attract thousands of visitors each year and bring valuable economic activity to our local communities,” Stahl said. “From our abundant natural resources and rich history to our fun annual events, there truly is something for everyone to discover and enjoy here.”

The Oswego County Tourism Office promotes the area as a destination through sponsorship, marketing, advertising and public information to raise visitor awareness.

Visitors may have seen the tourism logo on Front Row Motorsports’ driver Chandler Smith’s #38 truck that raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Bully Hill Vineyards 176 at Watkins Glen International earlier this summer. An Amazon truck wrapped in “Visit Oswego County” branding provided advertisement in Boston, M.A. and surrounding areas this year after a successful campaign to showcase the county in the Philadelphia, P.A. area in 2024.

Other initiatives include producing a Visitor Guide and Fishing and Hunting Guide, which are then distributed at outdoor recreation and travel shows, tourism information centers, marinas, campgrounds and other businesses and attractions throughout New York and surrounding states.

Go to https://visitoswegocounty.com to see these guides, along with weekly fishing reports, winter trails reports, blog posts and so much more! For details, call 315-349-8322.

Stay up to date on events by following Oswego County’s tourism social media pages at   https://www.facebook.com/visitoswegocounty and https://www.instagram.com/visitoswegocounty/.