NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced that the city welcomed a record 52 million visitors in 2012, a new all-time high and a 2.1 percent increase over 2011. Visitors to the city generated an estimated $55.3 billion in economic impact to the city’s economy, with direct spending reaching $36.9 billion.

In 2012, New York welcomed an estimated 41 million domestic visitors and 11 million international visitors. It sold a record 29 million hotel room nights and generated a record $504 million in hotel tax revenue. “New York City continues to attract people from all around the world who want to experience our unique culture, food, parks, shopping, arts and energy,” said Bloomberg. “The tourism industry is thriving, creating thousands of jobs for New Yorkers at all rungs of the economic ladder. We are well on our way to achieving our new goal of 55 million visitors and $70 billion in economic impact by 2015.”

 “Tourism is the city’s fifth largest industry and continues to generate record numbers of visitors, spending, jobs and hotel tax revenue,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel. “Through NYC & Company’s strategic presence in 18 global markets, the city is able to attract visitors in markets where the potential for growth is strongest. We will continue to support a targeted approach and invest in markets that will yield the greatest return.”

 “NYC & Company’s diversification in its international markets around the globe has led to an 18 percent growth in the city’s overseas market share -- from 28 to 33 percent,” said Fertitta. “For 2013, we have already identified markets with strong future potential and are ramping up our efforts to ensure New York City is their top of mind destination.”