New York gained 1.5 million overseas visitors last year, increasing its share by 3.3% as it saw 46 million people step foot on its shores.
The city’s tourism body NYC & Company says visitors from abroad are driving the economy as they stay longer and spend more than domestic visitors. In 2007 visitors from abroad spent $28.85 billion, up 16% on 2006.
Economic analysts Global Insight recently announced that New York had leapfrogged Orlando and Las Vegas to obtain the top spot in total tourism spending.
NYC & Co chief executive officer George Fertitta said: “Despite the current national economic downturn, New York City’s tourism industry continues to be the silver lining in the City’s economy, sustaining the trend of positive growth.â€
The tourism body says the weak dollar, lower crime rates and a series of marketing initiatives have contributed to the boost in numbers. These initiatives include the expansion of NYC & Co’s overseas presence with more tourism marketing offices, its new “Ask the locals†campaign and an enhanced global communications ideology.
NYC & Co anticipates the arrival of 47.7 million visitors from abroad in 2008 and city mayor Michael Bloomberg recently announced a goal to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2012.
By Dinah Hatch
