Capital Region Leisure Sector’s Summer Employment Surpasses Pre-COVID Level
Chic’s Marina on Lake George. Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce.
The Capital Region’s arts, entertainment and recreation industry last summer for the first time surpassed its pre-COVID employment level for that season, boosted by gains in the racetrack and marinas industries, according to a Center for Economic Growth (CEG) analysis of data from the New York State Department of Labor.
With its employment traditionally peaking over the summer, the eight-county region’s arts, entertainment and recreation industry saw its employment climb to 9,693 in the third quarter of 2024. That was up 9.2 percent from a year earlier and just above its pre-COVID summertime average in Q3 2019.
Employment in the Capital Region’s racetrack industry, which includes both horse and automobile racing, increased over the year by 85.1 percent to 446 in Q3 2024. About five-sixth of those jobs are in Saratoga County. Last June (Q2), the Saratoga Racetrack for the first time hosted the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival as its traditional site in Queens, the Aqueduct Racetrack, undergoes renovations. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will return to the Saratoga Race Track from June 4 to 8. The 2025 Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course will be on Aug. 23.
Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Track in summer 2024. Courtesy NYRA.
Sailing was also smooth at Lake George, with the region’s marina employment experiencing a 27.3 percent increase in employment to 312. More than 90 percent of those jobs were at 19 marinas in Warren County. Summer employment among Capital Region theater companies was up 21.7 percent to 292, and it was up by 21.3 percent among promoters of performing arts, sports, and similar events with facilities.
Despite these strong gains, there was a disconnect between the region’s leisure and hospitality industries. Third quarter employment in the region’s accommodation and food services declined over the year by -0.1 percent and remained 2,700 jobs below its pre-COVID level. That included a -1.4 percent decline in restaurant employment and a -3.4 percent decline in hotel employment.
Queen Boat Co.’s marina on Lake George. Courtesy Warren County Economic Development Corp.
CEG INITIATIVES
To raise the profile of the Capital Region arts, entertainment and recreation industry CEG has launched a talent attraction campaign using the CapNY brand, along with a website – GoCapNY.com – and its associated social media channels. Whether you are a young professionals considering relocating to the area or already live here, GoCapNY.com is a must-visit site to learn about places to explore in the eight-county region, especially for arts and culture, food and drink, outdoor and sports, and daycations.
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