Cole Explores Monroe County Tourism Trends

Shu Cole

A report compiled by Dr. Shu Cole, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research and Graduate Studies from the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies was recently released demonstrating tourism’s economic impact in Monroe County in 2013. 

The report was based on data from 1,314 surveys conducted at 11 leisure, sports and business events in Monroe County from January to November of 2013, and provided some significant findings regarding tourism trends in Monroe County.

The report notes that visitors are booking shorter stays in the county, but that the overall income generated has grown over past years. Visitors are not only coming more frequently, but are spending more intensely during the days they’re spending in Monroe County. The impact of the shift has also been seen in tourism employment as well as tax income generated. The growth contributed to an increase of 319 jobs and around $8 million in employee wages, with tax revenue increasing by $8 million. From 2009 to 2013 alone, gross sales generated by tourism increased to $326 million, up from $279 million.