New York City sets new record with 52 million visitors
New York City welcomed a record 52 million visitors in 2012, a new all-time high and a 2.1% increase over 2011. Visitors to the city generated an estimated US$55.3 billion in economic impact to the city’s economy, with direct spending reaching US$36.9 billion. New York City continues to be the premier United States travel destination, with an overseas market share at a record high of 33%. In 2012, New York City welcomed an estimated 41 million domestic visitors and 11 million international visitors. In addition, New York City sold a record 29 million hotel room nights and generated a record US$504 million in hotel tax revenue, and the overall hospitality industry across all five boroughs now employs 356,000 New Yorkers. “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 Mayor Michael R. 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.”With the continued increase in visitation, New York City’s hotel room inventory continues to expand – with 91,500 active rooms. Even with the addition of new rooms, the city’s hotel occupancy remains strong at 87%, the highest in the US.