New York City experienced a significant rebound in tourism in 2024, welcoming a total of 64.3 million visitors. This marked the second-highest tourist count in the city’s history, with a 3.5% increase from the previous year. The city remains the most visited city in the United States and a top destination for international markets and major events. Despite falling just short of the record set in 2019, the city is expected to surpass pre-COVID tourism levels in 2025, with over 67 million visitors projected for the year.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed optimism about the city’s tourism industry, stating that the city had solidified its position as a premier destination and was looking forward to beating its own tourism record in the coming year. The city saw its highest number of tourists in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the tourism sector, leading to a drop in visitor numbers and spending in 2020. However, tourism dollars generated over $6.8 billion in tax revenue in 2024, benefitting local businesses and households.
Tourism spending in the city was significant, totaling $51 billion directly on activities like lodging, dining, entertainment, and art and cultural attractions. Despite challenges faced by the industry, New York City remained a popular destination for domestic and international travelers. The city saw an increase in European travelers, with the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Brazil, and Italy among the top countries contributing to visitor numbers. Airports in the city were also experiencing record levels of traffic, with more than $20 billion being invested to improve the travel experience and support continued growth.
This year’s tourism growth supported over 388,000 leisure and hospitality jobs in the city and generated over $6.8 billion in tax revenue, providing significant economic benefits. The average daily cost of a room in the city increased to $303 in 2024, up from the previous year. Broadway show attendance was expected to reach 12.5 million by the end of the year, marking a significant increase from 2023. While still down from pre-pandemic levels, the city’s tourism industry was showing signs of recovery and momentum heading into 2025.
The tourism sector in New York City faced various challenges, including exchange rates, visa access, and air travel capacity, which impacted business travel and long-haul international markets. However, the city was taking steps to address these challenges and support continued growth in the industry. Investments were being made in airports across the city to improve travelers’ experiences and accommodate the increasing demand for air travel. Despite these challenges, New York City remained a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors, with the tourism industry playing a significant role in driving the local economy.
