50 million’ in NYC

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NYC & Company board of directors chair and Metropolitan Museum of Art president Emily Rafferty are reporting that New York City will reach 50.2 million visitors by the end of 2011, achieving the goal of attracting 50 million visitors by 2012 one full year ahead of schedule. Throughout 2011, the city maintained its position as the number one city destination and overseas destination in the United States. In recognition of this achievement, Bloomberg presented the Johnson family from Lichfield, England with a “golden ticket”to New York City and named them the honorary 50 millionth visitors to New York City. The announcement was made in iconic Times Square as video screens flashed “50 million”and more than 100 members of the tourism industry joined to celebrate the moment. NYC & Company forecasts the city will attract a record-breaking 10.1 million international visitors in 2011, a 4% increase over 2010. The United Kingdom is the top market of origin for overseas visitors with more than 1 million visitors expected by the end of 2011 – a 2% increase.