Other data released by the governor's office included the tourism industry's $8.2 billion in total state and local tax revenue generated in 2016, which was 3% higher than the previous year.

Tourism remained the fourth largest private sector employer in the state, supporting more than 914,000 jobs last year, according to the New York State Department of Labor. The tourism industry was also responsible for nearly $21 billion in direct wages, a 25% increase from 2011.

New York

ALBANY—New York State's tourism sector last year set new records last year for number of visitors, economic impact and direct spending.

The industry generated a total economic impact in 2016 of $104.8 billion, which marked the third straight year the sector topped $100 billion. The state's tourism sector's 2016 totals were $18 billion higher than five years ago, according to statistics provided by travel data firm Tourism Economics.

“New York's tourism industry is stronger than ever before and as we continue to invest in the success of world-class destinations and attractions found at every corner of the state, more and more visitors will come to experience everything New York has to offer,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo says.

A record 239 million visitors to New York State generated $64.8 billion in direct spending last year, nearly 3% higher than in 2015, and almost $11 billion more than in 2011.

Other data released by the governor's office included the tourism industry's $8.2 billion in total state and local tax revenue generated in 2016, which was 3% higher than the previous year.

Tourism remained the fourth largest private sector employer in the state, supporting more than 914,000 jobs last year, according to the New York State Department of Labor. The tourism industry was also responsible for nearly $21 billion in direct wages, a 25% increase from 2011.