Now this is a nice Christmas gift.
New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, reported that NYC tourism generated $74 billion in economic impact this year.
The city is expected to attract more than 61 million tourists this year, almost on par with the record of 2019.
The tourism industry supports 380,000 jobs in New York City, ranging from major hotels to mom-and-pop souvenir joints. Hospitality workers represent almost nine percent of the entire New York City workforce.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: New York City is back. And this year’s tourism numbers prove our economic recovery is coming back stronger than ever,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a statement. “New York City’s tourism industry touches every corner of the five boroughs—supporting small and minority-owned businesses and more than 380,000 local jobs. We’re grateful to every single one of the 62 million visitors who brought in more than $74 billion in economic activity to our city this past year, and look forward to welcoming even more visitors next year.”
“Throughout 2023, New York City saw a continued return to pre-pandemic travel patterns reaffirming the industry’s place as a driver for the City’s economy with $74 billion in economic impact,” said New York City Tourism + Conventions President and CEO Fred Dixon. “Our city is as vibrant as ever. New attractions, cultural offerings, restaurants, a welcoming arrivals experience and more have helped NYC remain a top destination for domestic and international travelers.”
Domestic travel is expected to reach more than 51 million visitors by year’s end, a 7.9 percent increase over last year.
International visitation, which accounts for nearly half of all visitor spending, will reach 10.8 million visitors in 2023, marking a 14.9 percent year-over-year increase.
The Chinese market is beginning to return as flight capacity increases; China was New York City’s second-largest overseas market in 2019.
The organization reported, however, that business travel is still recovering.
More flights arrive through New York City airports than any other destination in the United States. Some 2,900 flights arrive daily.
Hotels will finish with more than 36.8 million room nights, about 8 percent below 2019 levels.
New York City would still like to bolster business travel, however.
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