CHENANGO COUNTY – The county Board of Supervisors this week saw results of an accommodations study that affirms a long-held notion that the lack of quality lodging in Chenango is putting the county at an economic disadvantage.

The study, carried out by Susan Payne, a strategic planning and economic development consultant contracted by the Development Chenango Corporation (DCC), provides a snapshot of the supply and demand of available accommodations in the county, including hotels, motels, inns and bed and breakfasts. DCC says it will share findings of the study with public and private entities in an effort to improve quality lodging in the area.

“This study really confirmed what a lot of what we already expected; that is a stock of hotel rooms in Chenango County are largely outdated and it’s leaving an economic impact,” said Commerce Chenango President and CEO Steve Craig

In addition to a basic overview of the county’s two flag hotels, two independent hotels, nine bed and breakfasts, and three motels (totaling 257 rooms), the study compares Chenango’s accommodations to larger competitors in nearby Binghamton, Oneonta and Hamilton.

The findings suggest Chenango County is losing $750,000-$800,000 per year in traveler spending due mainly to its lack of quality lodging and brand name hotels, outdated facilities, and proximity to major highways and airports. Lost sales tax revenue related to lodging alone is upwards of $60,000 per year.

The study finds travelers are choosing accommodations outside the county which is leaving a negative mark in other areas like retail, food service, fuel sales, and recreational expenses, even while nationwide trends in these areas have increased each year since 2009. Approximately 90 percent of local corporate lodging is booked outside of Chenango County, according to the study.