New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. The city’s tourism industry is a major contributor to its economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. Let’s take a closer look at just how big the tourism industry is in NYC.
The Numbers
According to NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization for New York City, a record-breaking 66.6 million tourists visited the city in 2019. This marked the tenth consecutive year of tourism growth for the city and represented a 2.4% increase from 2018.
Where Do Tourists Come From?
Tourists from all over the world flock to New York City to experience its iconic landmarks, museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions. In 2019, the top international markets for NYC tourism were:
- United Kingdom
- China
- Canada
- Brazil
- France
Domestic visitors also made up a significant portion of NYC’s tourism industry. In fact, NYC & Company reported that domestic visitation increased by 2.5% in 2019.
The Economic Impact
The tourism industry plays a vital role in New York City’s economy. In 2019, visitor spending reached an all-time high of $47.4 billion dollars, representing a 3% increase from the previous year. Additionally, tourism supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across various industries such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.
The Future of Tourism in NYC
While COVID-19 has undoubtedly had a significant impact on NYC’s tourism industry, there are reasons to be optimistic about its future. Vaccinations are becoming more widely available and restrictions are gradually being lifted, leading to a resurgence in travel. Additionally, NYC & Company has launched various initiatives aimed at promoting the city as a safe and attractive destination for tourists.
Conclusion
The tourism industry is a major part of New York City’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, there are reasons to be hopeful about its future. As travel restrictions continue to ease, we can expect to see tourism in NYC bounce back stronger than ever before.