NORWICH – While more than 150,000 people visit the area each year, contributing more than $30 million to the local economy, tourism may very well be the most under-rated industry in Chenango County.

“Tourism is a vital component of our county’s economy,” said Commerce Chenango President Maureen Carpenter, who reports that $33 million was spent in Chenango County last year as a result of direct sales from tourism.

Despite the large financial impact of tourism to the area, it remains an under-rated industry, according to Carpenter.

While there are numerous tourism properties, they are not always recognized for the role they play in attracting visitors. Citing the Northeast Classic Car Museum, Council of the Arts, Earlville Opera House, Chenango River Theater, Gallery 3-2-1 and Black Bear Farm and Winery, she said, “I think a lot of people take these places for granted and do not understand the local impact they have.”

Also underestimated, in Carpenter’s opinion, is the impact of the more than 150,000 visitors which attend Chenango County festivals and events each year.

According to Audrey Robinson, Commerce Chenango’s Communications and Tourism Coordinator, the largest of these events are the Chenango County Fair, the Sherburne Pageant of Bands and the Bainbridge Canoe Regatta. Other events, such as the annual Blues Festival, Colorscape, Gus Macker, Greene’s Labor Day picnic and the Bluegrass Festival, also draw significant numbers.