New York City hopes to attract 55 million visitors and generate $70 billion from travel and tourism by 2015.
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and NYC & Company made the announcement at the International Pow Wow in Los Angeles, where they were proud to say that the tourism industry will also contribute $45 billion in direct spending to the City and add 30,000 new jobs to the City's workforce.
In 2011, New York City exceeded its goal to attract over 50 million visitors by 2012 who impacted the economy with more than $48 billion.
New York City has continued to maintain its position as the most popular US city destination for international visitors, the nation’s number one port of entry and the number one city destination for tourism spending.
The new spending and economic impact estimates are based on the City’s aggressive efforts to attract emerging international markets and new visitor demographics including youth, LGBT and family markets. New York will also develop new initiatives to emerging markets like Latin America, China and India.
According to Robert K. Steel, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, "Already our fifth-largest industry, tourism and its continued resurgence under NYC & Company will continue to play a vital role in the City's economic health over the next few years."
New York City has grown its share of overseas visitors from 28 percent to almost 33 percent over the last five years—with each share point accounting for approximately $600 million in direct spending.
