A just released study of Rockland's tourism economy highlights an increase of 8.2 percent in 2012 over the prior year. According to County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef that places Rockland in the unique position of leading the six-county Hudson Valley region in increased visitor spending. The yearly Economic Impact of Tourism report determined Rockland now represents 13 percent of overall traveler spending in the Hudson Valley or $390 million out of the region's $3 billion tourism industry



Rockland's year over year traveler spending increase was the largest percentage jump of the region. Overall, tourism spending in Rockland has grown by more than 25 percent since 2009.



Rockland officials attributed the increased spending to regional tourist attractions, more movie and television filming and key marketing strategies. Projects ranging from independent movies to large-scale Hollywood productions have filmed in recently, including a new pilot from HBO directed by Peter Berg filmed last week in the Village of Nyack. CJ Miller, coordinator of the county's Office of Tourism & Local Development, noted the county's attractions include the Palisades Center, Provident Bank Park; seasonal street fairs in the Village of Nyack and popular cultural celebrations, including the annual spring Greek Festival and the state's second-largest St. Patrick's Day parade.

"Every event that happens in our community receives unbelievable support from the Tourism office, resulting in events like the Halloween Parade, street fairs and Art Walk attracting more people from further away, filling our streets, businesses and restaurants with shoppers and strollers and guaranteeing our reputation as a great village to visit," said Nyack Mayor Jen Laird White.



The tourism industry accounts for 8,230 jobs in Rockland County. A copy of the study, which was commissioned by New York State and prepared by Oxford Economics, can be viewed online at www.oxfordecomics.com or at www.rocktourism.com. This fall, the tourism office will launch a new advertising campaign promoting affordable wedding and catering venues in close proximity to Manhattan. "We've got top-notch hotels and catering venues that offer lovely mountain and Hudson River views just 30 minutes outside of Manhattan," Miller said. "We believe Rockland is a viable alternative for people planning memorable events in a beautiful location that won't strain their budget."