New York hits record-high tourism

A record-high number of tourists visited the Big Apple last year, mostly because of the declining dollar. International travelers numbered at about 8.5 million, up 17 percent from the previous year and spent an estimated $28 billion.

The city of tourism office NYC & Company, stated that the final count is still pending but that overall, an estimated 46 million people visited the city in 2007, up 5 percent from 2006. The visitors were enticed by a more than favorable exchange rate and the city’s own international marketing efforts.

International travel to the big city has actually fell since the September 11 attacks and last year’s growth hit pre-2001 levels. “The city is more vibrant, cleaner and safer—and it’s just more exciting than ever before,” said George Fertitta, chief executive of city tourism office NYC & Company.

The city has been hard at work attracting such international visitors, who often stay longer and spend a lot more money. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has stated that he wants New York City to attract 50 million travelers a year by 2015. In 2007, visitors to New York spent $4 billion more than they had the previous year.

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