SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — According to the board of the Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA), tourist spending for 2014 was up 2.5% over 2013, with the total reaching about $372 million.

Spending was increased across all sectors, including second homes, food and lodging. According to a press release from SCVA, “In Sullivan County alone, spending on second homes totaled $125.8 million, while spending on lodging totaled $143.4 million, up $4 million from 2013.”

“Our goal as a board is to create top-of-mind awareness among travelers by using a variety of strategies that include everything from social media enhancements to print and digital marketing,” said Elaine Fettig, co-chair of the SCVA board. “Those efforts are making a difference; we’re very happy that these numbers show such measured growth.”

“The numbers stand to grow exponentially with the development of the Montreign Casino Resort at Adelaar, Z-Living/Veria Nature Cure & Wellness, and numerous other opportunities on the horizon,” Fettig added.

“Tourism continues to do great things for our county and our neighbors,” said Scott Samuelson, chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature. “It not only puts people to work and brings in visitors; it lessens the tax burdens on those of us who call this wonderful travel destination home.”