Tourism spending in Erie County set another new high in 2025

Tourism Economics’ 2025 report on Erie County found that traveler spending rose 2.8 percents to $2.73 billion last year

BUFFALO, N.Y.  – Visitor spending in Erie County in 2025 reached a new record high. 

According to the latest economic impact study from the Oxford Economics Company, Tourism Economics, traveler spending in Erie County rose 2.8 percent to $2.73 billion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $2.7 billion in 2024.

In 2025, lodging spending ($520 million) was up by 2.7 percent from 2024, recreation spending ($294 million) was up 5 percent, food and beverage sales ($1.17 billion) were up 2.5 percent, and retail ($524 million) was up 3 percent.

Increased tourism has tangible effects for Erie County residents. In 2025, the number of people employed in tourism-related jobs increased 1.3 percent, while the tax savings per household due to tourism increased 2.7 percent – about $711 per household. 

“This continued growth in visitor spending is a strong sign that more people are discovering Buffalo and choosing to spend their time here,” said Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Visit Buffalo. “What’s especially encouraging is that visitors aren’t just coming once. They’re enjoying their experience, returning and recommending Buffalo to others. That means more dollars flowing into our hotels, restaurants, attractions, shops and neighborhoods, supporting local businesses and strengthening our community.”

Erie County welcomed an estimated 7.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, up from about 7.3 million in 2023 and 6.5 million in 2021, according to Longwoods International’s latest Visitor Profile Study. Visitor satisfaction remains strong, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 and roughly 9 in 10 travelers reporting they were satisfied with their trip. More than 8 in 10 overnight visitors have been to Buffalo before, and more than two-thirds say they’re very likely to return. The Longwoods study also points to a shift in why people are visiting: a growing share of travelers are choosing Buffalo as a destination in its own right rather than primarily to see friends or family, reflecting the region’s rising profile as a place to shop, dine, and explore.

Buffalo and Erie County’s growth as a destination is a reflection of the region’s continued investment in its tourism product, from a redeveloped waterfront to restored architectural landmarks, a thriving arts scene and a host of new attractions, restaurants and other amenities. This growth also aligned with Visit Buffalo’s expanded advertising and public relations efforts in 2025. 

In September of last year, Visit Buffalo unveiled a multimillion-dollar tourism marketing campaign titled “That’s Buffalo For You” aimed at reshaping the city’s image, expanding the local tourism economy, attracting new visitors from across the country and encouraging more media coverage from the press. The national effort features digital, outdoor, and social media advertising in target markets such as Boston, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Additionally, Visit Buffalo’s expanded public relations efforts have raised the region’s profile in national travel media outlets, helping Buffalo land on Conde Nast Traveler and AFAR’s lists of the best places to go in 2026. 

Year-to-date in 2026, the arrival of Great Lakes cruise ships, the opening of Highmark Stadium, and major events like Rounds 1 and 2 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and the NHL Draft have continued to add to this momentum.

“What these numbers show is that Buffalo’s growth as a destination is real, sustained and continuing to build,” said Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Visit Buffalo. “We’ve spent years investing in the experiences that make people want to come here, while working to introduce Buffalo to new audiences across the country. With new attractions, major events and continued investment across Erie County, we have an opportunity to build on this momentum and bring even more visitors, spending and economic impact to our community in the years ahead.”

Visit Buffalo is the destination marketing organization for Buffalo and Erie County, promoting the region for tourism, meetings and sporting events. By showcasing the area’s culture, attractions and hospitality, Visit Buffalo drives visitor spending and supports economic growth.