Top > Business > 2007 > January > 2007-01-14

Record Year for New York Tourism

A record year for New York tourism, 44 million tourists, out of which 37 million US tourists and 7 million foreign. In 2005 New York hosted 42.6 million tourists. The number of tourists has gradually risen since September 11 2001`s terrorist attacks. Mayor Bloomberg said that All the tourists together left $24 billion during their stay.

During the week between Christmas and New Years 1.25 million foreign tourists visit the city. "The 44 million people who came to New York City in 2006 are an invaluable engine helping drive the city`s economy," Bloomberg said. "New Yorkers from waiters and waitresses to hotel workers ... are supported by the millions of people that come here from around the world to experience the Big Apple." New York City`s mayor`s office projects that during 2007 45.5 million tourists will visit the city and the city hopes to draw 50 million local and foreign tourists by 2015.

New York City is popularly known as the "Big Apple" and the "City That Never Sleeps," the city attracts people from all over the globe who come for its economic opportunity, culture, and fast-paced cosmopolitan lifestyle. As of June 2006, the city was distinguished for having the lowest crime rate among major cities in the U.S. The city has many tourist attractions, including the Empire State Building, the United Nations, the Statue of Liberty, the Guggenheim Museum, Ground Zero, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Broadway Musicals and many other attractions.