- New York City attracts 61.8 million travelers in 2023, marking a recovery of 93% of the City’s record 2019 visitation levels.
- Tourism Industry supports 380,000 jobs across the five boroughs and thousands of small and minority-owned businesses.
- New York City is currently on track to welcome 64.5 million visitors in 2024.
New York City’s tourism industry continued to bolster the state and city economy in 2023, generating $74 billion in economic impact with more than $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 totalled more than $6 billion generated by visitor spending, saved each New York City household approximately $2,000 in 2023.
New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, also released its final 2023 forecast, with the City attracting 61.8 million travelers in 2023, marking a recovery of 93% of the City’s record 2019 visitation levels.
“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,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “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.”
“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,” said 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 travelers.”
2023 forecast included:
International and Domestic Travel
- Domestic travel expected to reach 51.1 million in 2023, a 7.9% year-over-year increase over 2022.
- International visitation, which accounts for nearly half of all visitor spending, to reach 10.8 million visitors in 2023, marking a 14.9% year-over-year increase.
- As of December 2023, more overseas travelers hold valid US visas than at any point in history.
- 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).
- Canada to reclaim its place as the second-largest international market.
- Western European markets regain their position as core markets for international travel to the City.
- Economic conditions in South America remain mixed, however Brazil, Colombia and Argentina remain important feeder markets.
- Asia-Pacific markets are returning at a slower pace due to distance, economic and access concerns.
- The Chinese market is beginning to return as flight capacity increases; China was New York City’s second-largest overseas market in 2019.
Business and Leisure Travel - Business travel accounts for approximately 20 percent of all visitation to New York City annually; it was the hardest hit sector in the pandemic and continues to recover at a slower pace.
- In 2023, business travel was expected to increase to 11.8 million, growing by nearly 3 million visitors.
Tourism Infrastructure - New York City remains the largest point of entry to the US. It operates the world’s busiest airport system. More flights arrive through New York City airports than any other destination in the United States.
- Air traffic at LGA, JFK and EWR airports now exceeds pre-pandemic levels.
- More than $20 billion in investments are being made across JFK, EWR and LGA airports to improve the traveler experience.
- The New York City subway system continued to rebound reaching a record 2.9 million paid rides on Saturday, December 9, representing the highest weekend day for ridership in four years.
Hotels - Hotel performance remained strong in 2023, with an estimated 36.5 million room nights sold, approximately 8% below 2019 record levels.
- New York City is again among the top three US markets and was the highest-performing hotel city in the US in the fourth quarter of 2023.
- More than 70 new hotels creating more than 10,000 hotel rooms will be added to the City’s inventory in the next three years across the five boroughs.
- As of December 2023, roughly 121,464 rooms were in active inventory.
Looking ahead :
- America 250: In 2026, the US will celebrate 250 years since its founding. New York City will commemorate its status as the nation’s first capital, the birthplace of the American government and the place where the Bill of Rights was written.
- FIFA 2026 World Cup: FIFA has announced New York/New Jersey as a host city for the 2026 World Cup.
- New York City is currently on track to welcome 64.5 million visitors in 2024.
