“Not only has 2016 brought the largest number of visitors in New York City history, but it also caps off seven years of strong tourism growth and 15,000 more jobs for New Yorkers,” said Mayor de Blasio in a statement. “More tourism means we have more people investing in New York City and are able to create more sustainable jobs for more people. New York is a culturally rich and diverse city, with so much to offer those who visit. I look forward to continue promoting this beautiful city and welcoming all those who visit in the future.”
Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League. responded, “We applaud the city’s announcement and join with the mayor in celebrating the hard work of NYC & Company to deliver New York City’s banner year when we had over 60 million visitors last year. We are also delighted to be a contributor to this astounding achievement. Broadway is one of New York’s greatest tourist destinations; approximately 7.7 million theatre tickets were bought by visitors who considered Broadway an important reason for coming to New York City. Each year, our industry contributes nearly $12.6 billion to the City’s economy in addition to ticket sales and supports almost 90,000 local jobs. In the 2015–2016 season, there were a record breaking 13.3 million admissions to Broadway shows. Our research shows that 63% of those were by tourists: 45 percent from the United States—but outside NYC and its suburbs—and 18 percent from other countries. Broadway is a multi-faceted gem of New York, and we are proud of its ongoing importance to New York City’s cultural landscape.”
“We are the safest, most culturally rich, most exciting city in the country. Every time visitors come, they can experience something new,” added Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen. “We are focused on making sure the benefits of tourism stretch into every borough and every community."
Just in time for winter visitor arrivals, NYC & Company’s celebrated consumer programs will return in early 2017 with NYC Restaurant Week (January 23-February 10, 2017), NYC Broadway Week (January 17–February 5), and NYC Off-Broadway Week (February 27-March 12). On the heels of the success of these programs, NYC & Company has announced the first-ever NYC Attractions Week. From January 17-February 5, visitors and locals can receive two-for-one admission for tours, culture, and performing arts at over 70 participants, including Big Bus Tours, Brooklyn Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Gray Line City Sightseeing New York Bus Tours, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Madame Tussauds New York, Museum of Modern Art – MoMA, New York Water Taxi, On Location Tours, One World Observatory, and more. Click here for more information.
