- Office of Travel and Tourism
Media Contact for Tourism Drives Economic Growth in Massachusetts
Abigail Phillips, Director of Communications
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism today announced the 2023 economic impact of the Massachusetts travel and tourism industry, which grew 5.3 percent to $23.6 billion in spending from 52.3 million domestic and international travelers, generating $2.3 billion in taxes for municipalities and the state and supporting 154,330 jobs.
“Massachusetts’ tourism industry is a critical part of our state’s economy, showcasing our rich history and culture for millions of visitors from across the globe,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are thrilled to see that tourism in Massachusetts continues to grow and just reached a five-year high – and we look forward to continuing to build on this momentum as we celebrate Massachusetts 250 over the next couple of years.”
In 2023, visitor-generated state and local tax revenue amounted to approximately $825 per household in the state. For every dollar spent by a visitor in the state, 6.7 cents went towards state taxes and 2.8 cents contributed toward local taxes, highlighting a significant impact of tourism in Massachusetts. The state generated substantial revenue from visitor spending through hotel room occupancy taxes. State hotel occupancy tax collections reached $395 million, while local option room occupancy tax collections totaled $350 million.
“The resurgence of international tourism in Massachusetts is a welcome development for our regional communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Increased visitor spending will directly support local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to shops and attractions, driving economic growth and creating jobs.”
International visitor spending in Massachusetts grew 80 percent to $2.9 billion in calendar year 2023, nearing the pre-pandemic amount of $3.3 billion spent in 2019. Domestic visitor spending remained at 2022 levels with $20.7 billion spent.
“Tourism plays a vital role in our state’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in spending that supports our small businesses and diverse communities,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “In Massachusetts, we're committed to building on our successes and aim to make our state a top destination for domestic and global visitors.”
“Massachusetts rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty make it an irresistible destination for visitors,” said MOTT Executive Director Kate Fox. “Our partnership with regional tourism councils, cultural institutions, and businesses is essential to showcasing these unique qualities and attracting travelers from across the world.”
The domestic and international figures cited here come from a model developed by Dean Runyan Associates using data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Visitor Survey by Omnitrak, Mass DOR, AirDNA and Smith Travel Research.
About the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Massachusetts is made for nights on the town, days on the trails, and everything in between. The mission of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is to promote Massachusetts as a four-season leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international travelers and contribute to the Commonwealth’s economy growth. MOTT offers assistance with itinerary planning, familiarization trips, images, and photographs and offers support in providing information to the travel trade, press, and media. To plan your trip to Massachusetts, please go to VisitMA.com.
###