2024 marked the second highest number of visitors in NYC history, seeing nearly 65 million tourists. However, the new year is estimated to surpass pre-pandemic visitor levels and become the busiest tourist year yet for NYC.
Tourist numbers increased by 3.5% from 20223 to 2024, as NYC remains the most visited large city in the U.S. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 to mark a full post-pandemic economic recovery.
Mayor Eric Adams stated in the press release:
New York City has once again solidified its position as the premier destination in the nation and one of the top travel spots in the world…New York City remains a dynamic hub for tourism, drawing tens of millions of visitors from around the globe and bringing in $79 billion in economic impact. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, the five boroughs has everything you need, from conference halls to theatres to restaurants and hotels — New York City remains the heartbeat of innovation, culture, and opportunity. And we’re looking forward to beating our own tourism record next year with a full recovery.
The $79 billion economic impact supported 388,000 leisure and hospitality jobs, in addition to aiding small, minority-owned businesses across the city. Moreover, NYC households saved about $2,000 in 2024 due to visitor spending spawning more than $6.8 billion in tax revenue.
Plenty of other milestones were accomplished in 2024, like reaching one billion riders on the subway system and NYC maintaining largest point of entry to the United States with the most flights arriving in our airports than anywhere else in the country. I mean with NYC’s world-class accommodations, dining, entertainment, sports, live theatre, and cultural attractions, how could it not be?
And as we look further, even past 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is sure to bring a slew of visitors from all over the world. So get ready locals, because the year is just starting!