New York tops 60 million visitors for the first time as hotel demand surges

“Not only has 2016 brought the largest number of visitors in New York City history, but it also caps off seven years of strong tourism growth and 15,000 more jobs for New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“More tourism means we have more people investing in New York City and are able to create more sustainable jobs for more people. New York is a culturally rich and diverse city, with so much to offer those who visit. I look forward to continue promoting this beautiful city and welcoming all those who visit in the future.”‎

The new figure is 600,000 visitors higher than the original forecast of 59.7 million announced earlier this year, and 1.8 million more visitors than last year’s revised year-end figure of 58.5 million. Travel and tourism now sustains more than 375,000 jobs in New York City, representing a gain of 15,000 jobs over the last year.

“We are proud to exceed our forecast this year and welcome an all-time record 60.3 million visitors, achieving a new tourism milestone for New York City,” said Fred Dixon, NYC and Company’s President and CEO.

“The appeal of the ‘New’ New York alongside our classic attractions continue to draw travelers from every corner of the globe. We invite visitors and locals to take advantage of all the nonstop and affordable NYC experiences on offer this winter as well as the opportunities to discover our City’s multicultural neighborhoods in all five boroughs.”

This year, visitors from the United States will represent a forecasted 47.6 million visitors while travelers from international markets will comprise an estimated 12.65 million international visitors, both all-time highs. Among all visitors, meetings delegates will comprise 6.15 million people. In 2017, NYC & Company is forecasting the City will welcome approximately 61.8 million visitors with 48.7 million domestic travelers and 13.1 million international visitors.

“We are very fortunate this year to surpass 60 million visitors, New York City’s latest travel and tourism achievement,” said Emily Rafferty, NYC and Company Board Chairman and President Emeritus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“From our reputation as the safest large city in America to our world-class hotels, attractions, cultural organizations, restaurants, shops and more, there’s no better place than the five boroughs to enjoy the best of everything in one single destination.”

Hotel demand in the five boroughs has grown this year by 1.2 million, generating 34.9 million hotel room nights sold by year’s end, an all-time record. Home to more than 111,000 hotel rooms, the City is also expected to add 24,000 new hotel rooms by the end of 2019, reflecting the nation’s most robust hotel development pipeline. A significant contribution to the City’s economy, hotel and sales taxes are estimated to contribute over $1 billion in revenues this year.

Just in time for winter visitor arrivals, NYC & Company’s celebrated consumer programs will return in early 2017 with NYC Restaurant Week (Jan. 23-Feb.10), NYC Broadway Week (Jan. 17-Feb. 5) and NYC Off-Broadway Week (Feb. 27-Mar. 12). On the heels of the success of these programs, NYC & Company is proud to announce the first-ever NYC Attractions Week. From January 17-February 5, 2017, visitors and locals can receive two-for-one admission for tours, culture and performing arts at over 70 participants, including Big Bus Tours, Brooklyn Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Gray Line City Sightseeing New York Bus Tours, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Madame Tussauds New York, Museum of Modern Art – MoMA, New York Water Taxi, On Location Tours, One World Observatory and many more.

These four vibrancy programs alongside the best hotel rates of the year will be promoted under a new winter campaign titled “Nonstop NYC.” With the addition of NYC Attractions Week to NYC & Company’s signature dining and theater promotions, winter 2017 will be the most affordable value period ever in New York City. More information on “Nonstop NYC” can be found at nycgo.com/nonstop.

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Source: hotelmanagement.com.au