New York City expects to close the year 2023 with about 61 million tourists and a total economic impact of USD 74 billion.

Tourism to New York City may reach its 2019 peak as a total of 61 million visitors are expected to have travelled to the key destination in the United States in 2023.

New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organisation and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, says that tourism in NYC is also expected to generate an economic impact of USD 74 billion this year.

In a press statement the tourism board says that the tourism industry supports 380,000 jobs in New York City, ranging from major hotels to mom-and-pop souvenir joints. Hospitality workers represent almost 9 pc of the entire workforce in New York City.

“I have 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,” says New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a statement.

“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 are grateful to every single one of the 62 million visitors who brought in more than USD 74 billion in economic activity to our city this past year, and look forward to welcoming even more visitors next year,” adds Adams.

“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 USD 74 billion in economic impact,” says New York City Tourism + Conventions President and CEO Fred Dixon.

“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 travellers,” Dixon adds.

The statement adds that domestic travel is expected to reach more than 51 million visitors by year’s end, a 7.9 pc increase over last year. International visitation, which accounts for nearly half of all visitor spending, will reach 10.8 million visitors in 2023, marking a 14.9 pc year-over-year increase.

The board adds that Chinese market is beginning to return as flight capacity increases, China was New York City’s second-largest overseas market in 2019. However, the board adds that business travel was still in the recovery phase.

More flights arrive through New York City airports than any other destination in the United States. Some 2,900 flights arrive daily.

Hotels will finish with more than 36.8 million room nights, about 8 pc below 2019 levels.