The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority says that, as of June 1, gas prices were up a $1.40 more per gallon from the same time last year. Are those fuel costs affecting tourism in upstate?

What You Need To Know

  • Despite high fuel costs, Madison County tourism advocates said occupancy tax data is showing promise

  • More of those taxes have been collected every year since 2020

  • Visit Madison County, NY’s executive director said data indicates more long weekend getaways taking place in the county

Kaytlynn Lynch has been busy – she’s the executive director of Visit Madison County, NY.

The organization started a rebranding process a year ago.

“There was a lack of understanding and some awareness that needed to be built for why we do what we do, why it matters and how it ultimately creates a better quality of life for our residents,” Lynch said.

But a year ago, things were different.

Fuel prices weren’t as high.

“I was supposed to go to London next week. To see Jinkx Monsoon play Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow. And, unfortunately, I had to cancel them because the flights became so expensive as a result of the rising fuel prices,” said Ozstravaganza fan Tori Calamito.

“My wife and I are planning a vacation in the summer, and it’s really come down to what can we afford to do, what’s affordable, what makes sense for us?” said Mark Baum, the president of the International L. Frank Baum and All Things Oz Historical Association.

According to Visit Madison County, New York, the occupancy tax revenue has increased year over year. Lynch said that the trend is continuing, and it indicates more long-weekend getaways.

“We’ve had this trend over the last year, year and a half, where we’re getting those 2.2 to 2.4 day stays, indicating multiple overnights, driving up those occupancy taxes,” said Lynch.

“You can really do a lot of things close to home, and I think that’s going to affect not only our decision but decisions of other people. When gas prices keep going up, you kind of tend to do things more local,” Baum said.

And there is a lot – just in early June, Madison County welcomed Wizard of Oz fans to the Oz-Stravaganza, and fans from around the world to the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Induction Weekend.

Lynch says communities across the state are seeing the tourism increase, too.

And a lot of it, she said, is tied to sports.

“We have a lot of diehard boxing fans, and a lot of times when you want to go to see something, you might pay the extra cost when things are up because you don’t want to miss it,” said International Boxing Hall of Fame Executive Director Ed Brophy.

“All of the amazing sports tourism opportunities, our next-door neighbors in Oneida County with the Nexus Center, all of the hockey tournaments they’ve been bringing in. You think about the FIFA World Cup coming to New York City very soon here this month and into the summer. So sports tourism is definitely a driver of those increased occupancy taxes and overnight stays,” said Lynch.

Madison County has lots of other events coming up this summer, including the Cazenovia Lavender Festival, Open Farm Days, and Madison-Bouckville Antique Week.