AMERICAS – New York City’s official tourism and marketing organisation, NYC & Company, has set a goal to generate $70bn in annual economic impact from travel and tourism by 2015.
Building on a new visitation goal to attract 55m visitors in this same time period, NYC & Company continues to expand its efforts with particular focus on attracting international visitors, who account for 50 per cent of direct tourism spending.
Based on new strategies and programmes, the city estimates that, in addition to increasing its economic impact across the five boroughs, the tourism industry will also contribute $45bn in direct spending to the city and add 30,000 new jobs to New York City’s workforce by 2015.
In 2011, New York City met and exceeded its goal to attract 50m visitors by 2012, a year ahead of schedule.
NYC & Company CEO and Brand USA Vice Chair George Fertitta said: “This announcement is another reminder of the important role tourism plays in New York City.
“Every visitor that comes to our city and every dollar they spend is critically important to our economy. After reaching a milestone 50m visitors last year and setting our sights on attracting 55mvisitors by 2015, it is great to see the industry prepared to reach new heights.
“These new projections illustrate just how important future visitors are to the city’s economic well-being and the essential role tourism plays in sustaining the energy and vibrancy of the five boroughs. We have identified key growth markets and will be launching initiatives to keep our record-breaking momentum going through 2015 and beyond.”
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