What Percentage of NYC Economy Is Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city’s vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and diverse food scene attract millions of tourists every year.

But have you ever wondered how much tourism contributes to the city’s economy? Let’s dive in and explore what percentage of NYC’s economy is tourism.

The Importance of Tourism for NYC

Tourism is a vital industry for New York City. It provides employment opportunities for thousands of people and generates revenue that contributes significantly to the city’s economy. According to a report by NYC & Company, tourism brought in $70 billion in economic activity in 2019 alone.

How Much of NYC Economy is Tourism?

Tourism accounts for around 10% of New York City’s economy. This includes direct spending by visitors on hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transportation, and shopping. The indirect impact of tourism on the economy is even higher when you consider the jobs it creates and the businesses it supports.

According to a report by Oxford Economics, travel and tourism directly supported 391,000 jobs in New York City in 2019. This represents about 6% of all employment in the city. When you factor in indirect employment generated by tourism-related activities, this number increases to over 600,000 jobs.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism worldwide, including New York City. Travel restrictions and lockdowns have led to a sharp decline in visitor numbers since early 2020.

According to NYC & Company, there were only 22.3 million visitors to New York City in 2020 – a drop of almost 67% compared to the previous year. This resulted in a loss of $58 billion in economic activity.

Conclusion

Tourism plays a critical role in New York City’s economy, contributing billions of dollars and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the industry, there is hope for recovery as travel restrictions ease and visitors return to the city.

As we’ve seen, it’s crucial to understand the importance of tourism in New York City’s economy. By supporting local businesses and attractions, we can help ensure that the city continues to thrive as a top destination for visitors from around the world.