More than 60 million tourists visited New York in 2016, the most ever!
The number of tourists from across the United States and
around the world exceeded forecasts, city tourism officials said
on Monday, and topped last year's record by 1.8 million. Tourists are attracted by the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, Broadway shows and four-star restaurants.
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"The iconic attractions are always a big draw," said Fred
Dixon, president and chief executive of NYC & Company, the
city's official destination marketing organization. "These are
the hallmarks of a New York City visit, especially for the
first-time visitor."
The city's signature landmarks, including the Empire State
Building and Central Park, remain high on the list of must-sees,
but lower Manhattan has become a big draw for tourists as well.
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Tourists are eager to pay their respects at the 9/11
Memorial and Museum in the Financial District, peruse the
exhibits at the new Whitney Museum of American Art and take a
stroll on the High Line on the west side of Manhattan.
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Many visitors are also venturing out of Manhattan to the
so-called outer boroughs, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and
the Bronx, in search off-beat attractions and restaurants -
trips that would have been inconceivable 40 years ago, when the
city fell to a financial and crime-ridden nadir.
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"We've seen a real growth in that offering in New York,
whether it is small walking tours, sightseeing or
double-deckers. Tours are continuing to grow in new
neighborhoods," Dixon added.
The allure of out-of-Manhattan experiences in reflected in
hotel stays in the five boroughs, which grew by 1.2 million to
34.9 million room nights, another record.
"Much of the hotel development is not limited to Manhattan.
It is throughout the entire city," said Christopher Heywood, a
spokesman for NYC & Company. "This idea of neighborhood travel
has become very, very popular.
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"About 80 percent of tourists in New York are from other
parts of the United States, according to the city, which tracks
visitors who have traveled more than 50 miles (80 kms).
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Unsurprisingly, international tourists, estimated at more
than 12 million this year, account for the biggest economic
footprint. They contribute about half of hotel and direct
spending.
Britain leads in the pack in foreign tourists visiting New
York, but China is a close second, having overtaken Canada,
which dropped to No. 3, followed by Brazil.