New York state’s tourism industry set new records for total number of visitors, economic impact and direct spending in 2016, officials said.

Last year, a record 239 million visitors traveled to New York state, generating an economic impact of $104.8 billion, exceeding $100 billion for the third straight year, according to the governor’s office. In addition, visitors generated an all-time high $64.8 billion in direct spending. These figures each represent a nearly 3 percent increase over 2015.

“New York’s rich culture, diverse history, scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities are second to none,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “With a record $104.8 billion economic impact, 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.”

Tourism statistics were provided by Tourism Economics, an internationally recognized travel data firm, using the Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) input-output model for New York state, utilized worldwide by governments, universities, and public and private sector organizations. The model follows the flow of sales through the economy to the generation of GDP, employment, wages and taxes.

According to the report:

• The total economic impact of tourism statewide reached a record $104.8 billion, exceeding $100 billion for the third straight year, an increase of nearly $18 billion compared to 2011.

• Visitors to New York State in 2016 generated $64.8 billion in direct spending, nearly three percent higher than in 2015, and almost $11 billion more than in 2011.

• New York state tourism generated $8.2 billion in state and local taxes in 2016, a nearly three percent increase over 2015, saving each household an average of $1,133 in taxes.

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

Additionally, New York welcomed a record 239 million visitors in 2016, 36 million more than when Governor Cuomo took office in 2011, the report said. Additionally, passenger counts at all New York state airports increased more than five percent in 2016, with a nearly four percent jump in hotel room demand.

A project in Clifton Park and one in Saratoga Springs will get a portion of $112.2 million in funding that has been awarded to 81 projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements and improve air quality across New York state.

Funding supports projects that include multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new accessible sidewalks that adhere to regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improved access to public transportation, and enhanced roadway safety.

Of the $13.1 million earmarked for the Capital Region, $848,840 will go to the town of Clifton Park to construct an ADA-compliant, multi-use path.

Some $1.5 million will go to Saratoga Springs to complete the Greenbelt Trail Downtown Connector.

“This funding is critical to enhancing our infrastructure and paving the way for both pedestrian and bicycle travel,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “By improving roadway safety and increasing access to healthy transportation alternatives, we are providing both residents and visitors a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty like never before, while supporting a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come.”

The funding, which will provide up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the state Department of Transportation. Selected through a competitive solicitation process, awardees presented plans that will increase options for non-vehicular transportation, reduce vehicle emissions or traffic congestion, or both.

By R.J. DeLuke

Wilton Square shopping center on Route 50 was purchased recently by Nigro Companies of Albany.

Nigro Companies paid $49.3 million to Retail Properties of America for the center in a deal brokered by CBRE’s National Retail Partners. When it went on the market, it  was listed nationally.

No major changes are planned, said John Nigro, principal with Nigro Companies.

“The center has been kept in pretty decent condition by the previous owner,” he said. So the only changes will be some cosmetic improvements on the grounds, like landscaping.

The company already owns nearby Wilton Plaza and Hannaford Plaza, so when the property came up for sale, Nigro Companies had a strong interest, he said.

Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is leading an incentive application to the Clifton Park IDA to retain Kitware Inc.’s 88 high-paying software development and services jobs with potential for 25 percent more jobs in the next three years, agency officials said on May 2.

The new headquarters would retain over $13.8 million in local wages, rising to over $16 million in local wages in the third year, according to Dennis Brobston, SEDC president.

He said the effort continues SEDC’s Advance Saratoga initiatives to retain jobs and to promote the area as a home base for corporate headquarters.

Kitware’s average wages are over $100,000 per year, officials said. The company has outgrown its space on Corporate Drive in Halfmoon and has other operations in North Carolina, New Mexico, Idaho and France.

“With operations across the nation and in France, providing software products and services to several federal departments and major institutional clients, Kitware literally could have moved anywhere,” said Brobston. “Thankfully, we were able to collaborate with the principal developers, Kitware leaders and the Clifton Park IDA to develop an incentive proposal to help retain their skilled jobs and high wage earners in our communities.”