TUPPER LAKE – Lt. Gov. Kathleen Hochul toured the Wild Center Monday as part of the state’s effort to highlight a record-high economic impact in tourism.

Hochul met with the natural history museum’s original board of directors, examined indoor exhibits and toured the Wild Walk with local government officials and Wild Center representatives. She had nothing but praise to offer.

“We had a fabulous visit,” Hochul said. “It exceeds all expectations.”

The visit comes after Hochul’s recent whitewater rafting appearance at the Adirondack Challenge in Indian Lake, where she announced that tourism has a $102 billion economic impact on New York state – up 25 percent since 2010, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

The state’s Economic Impact of Tourism Report details the commercial success of state business and recreation in 2015. It projects that since 2010, visitor spending jumped 26 percent to $63 billion and the number of domestic and international visitors to New York grew nearly 20 percent to 234 million.

“We were really thrilled that she could fit us into her busy schedule,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, the museum’s executive director. “The thing that is important for us is that she sees the museum, especially the Wild Walk, which would not exist without support from the state.”

Empire State Development awarded $1 million for the Wild Walk’s development in 2013, and it has received more state grants since then.

“The real result that came from this funding is tangible,” Ratcliffe said. “The Wild Walk has tripled our attendance. We had the plans drawn up and shovels ready, but that first million dollars is what kicked off that project.”

The Wild Center more than matched the state’s contribution to the Wild Walk with $1.8 million in private investment.

Hochul’s tour was a bit expedited due to her appearance in Ogdensburg to promote global trade at the city’s port later that day. Ratcliffe said Hochul plans to revisit the museum soon with her husband for a more in-depth experience.

“It’s always good to have a lieutenant governor visit your community,” village Mayor Paul Maroun said. “It helps us a lot with funding. We certainly hope to have her back to explain (to her) a little bit about the Adirondack Club and Resort project.”

Previous politicians who have visited the Wild Center include U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, former U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and former Gov. George Pataki.