Photo: VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm / Photodisc / Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) - Massachusetts Tourism is seeing a rebound, after the latest report from The Massachusetts Office Of Travel and Tourism showed domestic visitor spending for 2022, grew to a whopping $22 billion dollars.
"Tourism plays such an important role in our state's economic vision, and we're excited to see the industry had a positive impact in 2022, generating thousands of joes and billions of dollars in spending," said Executive Office of Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We look forward to building on this success in the year ahead and continuing to make Massachusetts a year-round destination for travelers across the globe.”
The report found 21 million domestic and international travelers visited the state, generating $1.9 billion in taxes, while supporting some 131,000 jobs.
“Communities across Massachusetts continue to benefit enormously from our tourism industry, which provides cities and towns with good jobs and important tax revenues,” said Undersecretary of Economic Strategies Sarah Stanton. “Tourism remains an important part of our state’s economic development strategy to strengthen small businesses, local farms, and recreational areas throughout the year.”
The numbers for 2022 are quite impressive and surpassed the pre-pandemic calendar year of 2019, which brought in $20.8 billion. Looking ahead, in the first five months of 2023, the state's lodging industry rooms revenue was already 18 percent higher than 2022.
“Our success in positioning Massachusetts as an iconic destination for visitors is based on our vibrant partnership with our 16 regional tourism councils, cultural and historical destinations, lodging and dining venues and outdoor and sports facilities,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “We look forward to continuing those partnerships to build upon our success.”
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok