Last year, New York City welcomed a record 52 million total visitors, who collectively spent US$36.9 billion and generated US$55.3 billion in economic impact. New York City has the highest share of overseas travel in the United States—since 2006, its overseas market share has grown from 28 percent to 33 percent, with each growth in share point representing an estimated US$750 million in direct spending. Since 2006, international travel to New York City has expanded more than 50 per cent, from 7.3 million visitors in 2006 to more than 11 million last year.
“Last year was a record year for New York City’s tourism industry—we welcomed a record 52 million visitors who generated $55 billion in economic impact and impacted 356,000 local jobs. The continued strength and growth of our international market is a key reason why we have been so successful,” said George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company.
This year, NYC & Company is projecting 215,000 Indian visitors for 2012, which is up by eight per cent from last year. Repeat visitation is one of the motivations for expanding consumer and trade knowledge of New York City’s multicultural neighborhoods.
At the same time, NYC & Company is applauding Mayor Bloomberg’s recent announcement to legalise hostel legislation in an effort to attract more youth travel to the City, an initiative announced last year during ITB through the launch of the NYC<30 campaign. The announcement comes on the heels of another record-breaking year for New York City tourism in 2012.
