Tourism driving growth in New York City
In its final forecast for 2023, New York City Tourism + Conventions reports that the city attracted 61.8 million visitors in 2023, representing a recovery of 93% of the city’s 2018 visitor levels.
The city’s tourism industry also generated $74 billion in economic impact with over $48 billion coming from direct spending (not adjusted for inflation). This activity supported over 380,000 leisure and hospitality jobs — roughly 9% of the City’s workforce — and thousands of small and minority-owned businesses across all five boroughs.
Tax revenue, which totaled more than $6 billion generated by visitor spending, saved each New York City household approximately $2,000 in 2023.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams observed: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: New York City is back! And this year’s tourism numbers prove our economic recovery is coming back stronger than ever.”
Mayor Adams continued: “New York City’s tourism industry touches every corner of the five boroughs—supporting small and minority-owned businesses and more than 380,000 local jobs. We’re grateful to every single one of the 62 million visitors who brought in more than $74 billion in economic activity to our city this past year, and look forward to welcoming even more visitors next year.”
New York City Tourism + Conventions President and CEO Fred Dixon said that: “Throughout 2023, New York City saw a continued return to pre-pandemic travel patterns, reaffirming the industry’s place as a driver for the City’s economy with $74 billion in economic impact.”
And Dixon added: “Our city is as vibrant as ever. New attractions, cultural offerings, restaurants, a welcoming arrivals experience and more have helped NYC remain a top destination for domestic and international travelers.”
In 2023, New York City’s five largest international markets will be the United Kingdom (974,000), Canada (864,000), France (728,000), Brazil (589,000) and Germany (554,000).
As for 2024, the city is currently on track to welcome 64.5 million visitors.
