New York Tourism Beginning To Feel Effects of Government Shutdown

Local businesses in Hyde Park are experiencing a downturn as historic landmarks remain closed as part of the government shutdown

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Two hundred historical site workers are furloughed in Dutchess County as President Donald Trump and Democrats remain unable to pass a budget. But, the effects of a government shutdown can reach further than government jobs. The ripple effects have spread all the way to Dutchess County, where the tourism industry in the town of Hyde Park is suffering.

Though food and art are big tourist draws, the area’s national historical sites are a key part of tourism, according to bed and breakfast owners. The town is home to the Vanderbilt Mansion, the home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Val-Kill, the home of Eleanor Roosevelt. Combined, these sites brought in 600,000 visitors in 2017. That accounted for a 65 million dollar impact on the Dutchess county economy, with two million dollars in sales tax revenue for the county.

However, because the national historic sites are run by the government, they remain closed until the shutdown is resolved.

January is a slow time for visitors, but this year is lighter than usual, according to Valerie Valente and Eric Miller, owners of the Journey Inn Bed and Breakfast. They said the closure of the historic sites has stifled business, particularly for the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which usually fills their inn to capacity.

“The best way to think about it is usually at this time of year, a lot of people book ahead and that has been slow. I think because of the wait-and-see attitude,” said Valente. “But we’re usually full Martin Luther King weekend and we are pretty open.”

Miller said the historic sites are synonymous with Hyde Park, and Valente said a trip to the mansions are on most patrons’ agendas.

Mary Kay Vrba, the president and CEO of Dutchess tourism said small businesses in the tourism industry were hit hard during the 2013 shutdown, and some problems are already cropping up during this one. In the short term, Vrba said the impact is on local spending at restaurants and bed and breakfasts.

However, Vrba said a long term effect is also cropping up. During these lighter months, tour operators plan summer and fall trips. With the sites closed, they cannot finalize those plans.

“All that stuff is on hold right now,” she said.

Vrba said the shut down is bigger than furloughed workers.

“It is a big deal,” said Verba. “It’s an impact. It’s not the way to solve the problem, and we really need to get these places back and these people back in employment so that we can move forward.”

Miller and Valente noted that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo allocated state funds to keep the Statue of Liberty open. They said they want Cuomo to extend the same help upstate.

“If the state can contribute money to keep those open, I think it’s just as important here where it’s such a big percentage to Hyde Park’s life,” said Miller.

The governor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.