New York City Again Sets Tourism Record as It Roars Into 2019

NYC & Company has released its latest tourism figures, which found that in 2018, New York City welcomed a record 65.2 million visitors, comprising 51.6 million domestic and 13.5 million international visitors, the ninth consecutive year of tourism growth. A record 37.7 million hotel room nights were sold citywide last year, generating $623 million in estimated hotel occupancy tax revenues. The top five international markets for 2018 NYC visitation were: the United Kingdom (1.24 million), China (1.1 million), Canada (1 million), Brazil (920,000) and France (807,000).

"This record-breaking year of tourism proves what every New Yorker knows: This is the greatest city in the world to live in and visit," said New York City's mayor Bill de Blasio.

Although final meetings figures have not been released, NYC & Company estimates the city hosted approximately 6.2 million meetings delegates last year. The bureau predicts more than 67 million visitors of all stripes will visit New York this year, in part thanks to the Big Apple's perennially replenishing stock of new events, attractions, restaurants and hotels, as well as its hosting of WorldPride 2019 from May 12 through June 30, the first time the celebration will be held in the United States.

This year, NYC & Company and Mastercard have entered into a new global, multiyear partnership, helping visitors and residents alike to further experience all the city has to offer. For iconic programs such as NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week, all part of the bureau's new NYC Winter Outing program, along with other citywide initiatives, the bureau and Mastercard will collaborate to spread the word and offer unique incentives for visitors to attend via pre-sale opportunities, exclusive access and ongoing discounts.

"Through this unprecedented marketing collaboration with Mastercard, we will reach more consumers directly to grow overnight stays and expand neighborhood exploration across the five boroughs, while also supporting small-business development, continued job growth and opportunities for New Yorkers," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company.