Delaware had high tourism success in 2023.
People are coming to the First State in record numbers.
Delaware set a new tourism milestone in 2023, with a record-breaking 29.3 million visitors flocking to the state, marking a 2.4% increase from the previous year.
The visitors came for a variety of reasons, from day trips and overnight stays to business and leisure travel, according to reports from Rockport Analytics and Longwoods International.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, bringing growth and opportunity to communities across the state,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “What keeps visitors coming back is the experience of a welcoming and inclusive state of neighbors that has something for everyone.”
Visitor spending also saw significant growth, surpassing $7 billion in 2023—a 7% increase from the year before.
On average, each visitor spent $238, contributing to a substantial impact on the state’s economy.
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The tourism industry accounted for over 5% of Delaware’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), totaling $4.7 billion in contributions.
Additionally, tourism generated $724 million in tax revenue for state and local governments.
Without tourism, Delaware households would face an additional $1,826 in taxes, highlighting the sector’s crucial role in the state’s financial well-being.
Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, Delaware Secretary of State, highlighted the workforce behind the tourism industry.
“Tourism supports thousands of jobs, from front desk managers in hotels to servers in restaurants and guides at museums,” she said. “These workers are integral to providing visitors with a memorable experience.”
Tourism also played a significant role in job creation, supporting 55,240 jobs in 2023, making it the fourth-largest private employer in the state.
Moreover, tourism accounted for 14% of all new jobs created in Delaware during the year.
Visitors to Delaware enjoyed a range of activities, with outdoor adventures and cultural experiences topping the list.
Satisfaction levels were high, with 71% of overnight travelers expressing they were “very satisfied” with their visit, citing the state’s cleanliness, friendly locals, safety, and quality accommodations as highlights. Notably, 85% of overnight visitors were repeat tourists.
“These numbers speak volumes about the significant contributions tourism makes to Delaware’s economy and quality of life,” said Jessica Welch, director of the Delaware Tourism Office.“Our office is proud of the ongoing efforts to make Delaware a unique and desirable destination.”
In 2023, the Delaware Tourism Office launched several initiatives to boost visitation, including a national multimedia ad campaign across platforms like Hulu, Amazon, and Travel + Leisure, as well as partnerships with local organizations and participation in national trade shows.
For more details on Delaware’s tourism statistics, visit VisitDelaware.com.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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