New York City Reaches Goal of 50 Million Visitors for 2011

After announcing in November that New York City is set to have a record number of hotel rooms by year’s end, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and NYC & Company Board of Directors Chair and Metropolitan Museum of Art President Emily Rafferty announced that the 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. NYC & Company forecasts the city will attract a record-breaking 10.1 million international visitors in 2011, a 4 percent 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 percent increase. The city also expects to attract a record-breaking 40.1 million domestic visitors -- 2.9 percent more than last year.

New York City is on track to generate $32 billion in visitor spending, $48 billion in economic impact and contribute to approximately 320,000 jobs across the five boroughs. The city remains the number one U.S. city destination for tourism spending. New York City continues to hold its position as the number one port of entry for the U.S. and the number one U.S. destination for overseas travel with approximately one out of every three visitors to the U.S. visiting the five boroughs.

Since 2006, New York City has continued to increase its market share for all inbound international travel to the U.S. growing from a 28 percent market share to a nearly 33 percent market share for 2010. Each additional share point captured by New York City accounts for approximately $600 million in spending to the five boroughs.