New York tourism spending and economic impact in 2022 returned to pre-pandemic levels and even exceeded previous records set in 2019, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office announced Wednesday.

The state had a record 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number in the state's history. Those visitors generated more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact, a 4% increase from 2019, the governor's office said.

The year-over-year increases from 2021 to 2022 included a 22% increase in visitation, a more than 50% gain in spending and a more than 43% jump in economic impact.

Hochul's office said New York households saved $1,300 in taxes due to state and local tax revenues generated by tourism.     

“In the three years since the pandemic ground tourism to a halt, we have made transformative investments to uplift businesses, support workers in tourism and hospitality, and build a stronger, more welcoming New York," Hochul said in a statement. "Tourism continues to be an important driver behind our state’s economy, and my administration is committed to boosting the industry to make sure that visitors from around the world can see all that New York has to offer.”