(TAN): Delaware tourism had a record year in 2018 with 9.2 million tourists visiting the small Mid-Atlantic state in the United States during that period, reports said.
The Delaware Office of Tourism said visitors paid USD 545.1 million in state and local taxes, which led to an economic effect of USD 3.5 billion, as per reports. The revenue, reportedly 5% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product, brought down each Delaware household’s tax burden by over USD 1,500.
“Our out-of-state visitors, they contribute USD 545 million for state and local taxes and fees. What that means is without tourism, each Delaware taxpayer would pay an additional USD 1,500 in taxes each year,” Delaware Tourism Office Director, Liz Keller, was quoted by Delaware Public Media as saying.
[ALSO READ: Tourism to be vital part of European Commission’s new Green Deal]
She reportedly said tourism in the state had grown substantially over the course of a decade.
“In 2008, we had 6.9 million visitors. In that time, we’ve increased to 9.2 million,” Keller added.
Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock reportedly said the sector, employing over 44,000 people, was important for the state.
“Delaware benefits from a strong tourism industry. More than 44,000 people work in the industry in Delaware, which includes hundreds of small businesses and nonprofit organisations,” Delaware.gov quoted Bullock as saying.
[ALSO READ: Lunar New Year — Journey from Chinatown to Downtown]
According to reports, over two-thirds of the tourists belonged to nearby metropolitan areas in the mid-Atlantic and northeast of which Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Washington, D.C., constituted some of the key markets.
The tourism office said the most popular activities for tourists in 2018 were tax free-shopping, dining and visiting beaches, with visitors spending an average of USD 346 during their stay, reports said.
Keller reportedly said the office had been using new technologies and launching marketing campaigns to draw more visitors.
[ALSO READ: Oceania Cruises unveils its 2022 Around the World in 180 Days voyage]
“At the Delaware Tourism Office, we share Delaware’s ‘Endless Discoveries’ with out-of-state travelers each year. From launching award-winning marketing campaigns to embracing innovative technology, we are proud to share what makes Delaware an ideal destination and help create a positive economic impact for our state,” Delaware Business Now quoted her as saying.
She also said the office had plans to tap into the younger market, a report said.
“Expanding into the younger market is extremely important. Firefly [Music Festival] has kind of opened up that door for Delaware to welcome the younger travellers. And we’re looking in 2020 to bring on some additional projects that will help expand upon their experiences in Delaware,” she was quoted by Delaware Public Media as saying.
