New York has reported a record 65.2 million visitors in 2018 – the city’s ninth consecutive year of tourism growth.
The city welcomed 51.6 million domestic visitors and 13.5 million international visitors, according to NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organisation (DMO).
The UK was the top overseas market, with 1.24 million visitors, followed by China (1.1 million); Canada (one million); Brazil (920,000); and France (807,000).
A record 37.7 million hotel room nights were sold citywide in 2018, generating an estimated $623 million in hotel occupancy tax revenues.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said: “We embrace diversity and are welcoming to all, and the more than 65 million visitors to our city were able to experience that first hand.”
NYC & Company predicts more than 67 million visitors will visit New York City in 2019, as it will be a “monumental year” with many major openings and the hosting of WorldPride – the first time the event will be held in the US.
The DMO has also unveiled a new global, multi-year partnership with Mastercard.
The partners will work on tourism programmes such as NYC Restaurant Week, NYC Broadway Week and NYC Must-See Week.
Mastercard will also become the preferred payment technology partner of NYC & Company and will be integrated into the organisation’s global tourism promotional efforts.
Fred Dixon, NYC & Company president and chief executive, said. “Through this unprecedented marketing collaboration with Mastercard, we will reach more consumers directly to grow overnight stays and expand neighbourhood exploration across the five boroughs while also supporting small business development, continued job growth and opportunities for New Yorkers.”
News about New York’s record figures came as Chicago and Los Angeles also reported all-time highs for visitor numbers.
More: UK visitors help Chicago reach record 57.6m total