How Many Tourists Visit NYC Each Year? [New York City Tourism Statistics]

New York City — the Big Apple — is the most visited city in the United States and one of the most famous destinations in the world.

In 2024, NYC welcomed 64.3 million visitors, representing about 97% of its pre-pandemic peak of 66.6 million in 2019.

Tourism generated $51 billion in direct visitor spending and contributed over $6.8 billion in local tax revenue, cementing NYC’s place as America’s tourism capital.

💡 Expert Insight — Mayor Eric Adams
“With nearly 65 million visitors this year — the second highest figure in our city’s history — New York City has once again solidified its position as the premier destination in the nation and one of the top travel spots in the world.”

Key stats: New York City Tourism

• 64.3 million visitors in 2024 — New York is almost back to its pre-pandemic record (2019), just shy by about 3%.
• In 2023, NY saw 62.2 million visitors, up nearly 10% from 2022, with domestic tourists leading the comeback.
• Roughly 11.6 million international visitors came in 2023; but domestic travel made up around 50.6 million — showing where recovery is strongest.
• About 24.6 million day-trip visitors vs 25.9 million overnight stays in 2023 — both are important components.
• International tourism is sharply rebounding: approx 13.2 million international visitors in 2024 expected.
• Travelers are spending big — $51 billion in direct spending in 2024, with a total economic impact (city and state) of around $79 billion.
• NYC hotels are pricey: average room rate reached $301/night in 2023.
• Forecasts for 2025 point to 68 million visitors, potentially surpassing 2019 levels.
• Tourism supports livelihoods: ~388,000 jobs in leisure & hospitality in 2024 tied to this rebound.

How Many Tourists Visit NYC Each Year?

In 2024, New York City welcomed 64.3 million visitors, nearly matching its 2019 record.

• 2019 (record): 66.6M
• 2020: ~22M (pandemic low)
• 2022: ~56M
• 2023: ~61.8M
• 2024: ~64.3M

NYC’s tourism rebound has been one of the strongest in the world. While other cities struggled with slower international recovery, New York quickly regained domestic and overseas momentum.

How Many Tourists Visit NYC Each Day?

New York City sees an average of ~176,000 visitors per day.

Holidays like New Year’s Eve and Thanksgiving can push this figure far higher, with Midtown Manhattan swelling by millions of people in a single day.

How Much Do Visitors Spend in NYC?

Tourists spent ~$51 billion in NYC in 2024, supporting nearly 388,000 jobs and generating $6.8 billion in tax revenue.

• 2023 spend: ~$48B
• 2024 spend: ~$51B
• Jobs supported: ~388,000
• Tax revenue: ~$6.8B

💡 Expert Insight — Julie Coker, CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions
“In 2024, we saw growth in both visitation and spending, reaching an estimated total direct spend of more than $51 billion across the city and state. This recovery supported over 388,000 leisure and hospitality jobs, and generated more than $6.8 billion in tax revenue, benefiting local businesses.”

Which Countries Visit NYC the Most?

The United Kingdom, Canada, and France remain the leading international markets for New York City.

These top markets highlight NYC’s global reach, with a balance of European, Latin American, and Asia-Pacific visitors.

What Are the Most Visited Areas in NYC?

Times Square is NYC’s busiest spot, attracting nearly 50 million visitors annually, followed by Central Park and Broadway.

• Times Square — ~50M visitors annually
• Central Park — ~42M visitors annually
• Fifth Avenue — shopping & landmarks
• Broadway/Theater District — 12M+ annual tickets sold
• Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park) — growing share of visitors

What Are the Most Visited Attractions in NYC?

Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty are among the most visited attractions in New York City.

When Is the Best Time to Visit NYC? (Seasonality)

Summer and December are the busiest periods, while January and February see fewer crowds.

December alone can rival summer in terms of total visitors thanks to iconic seasonal events like the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and Times Square New Year’s Eve.

What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to NYC?

New Year’s Eve in Times Square, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the NYC Marathon are global draws.

How Much Money Does NYC Make From Tourism?

Tourism generated $51 billion in direct spending in 2024 and contributed $79 billion in total economic impact.

This makes tourism one of New York City’s largest industries, rivaling finance and real estate in its contribution to jobs and revenue.

Hotels Snapshot (2024/25)

NYC hotels remain among the priciest in the world, with ADR around $300 and occupancy exceeding 80%.

• ADR (2024): ~$300
• Occupancy: ~82%
• Hotel rooms: ~135,000 citywide
• Luxury ADR: $500+ in peak Manhattan properties

FAQ – NYC Tourism Insights

How many tourists visit New York City each year?
In 2024, New York City welcomed about 64.3 million visitors, nearly reaching its pre-pandemic peak.

What is the most visited attraction in New York City?
The most visited attraction in New York City is Times Square, with around 50 million visitors annually.

When is the best time to visit New York City?
The best time to visit New York City is in spring and fall, though December is also extremely popular due to holiday events.

Which countries send the most visitors to New York City?
The United Kingdom, Canada, and France are the largest international markets for New York City, followed by Brazil and Germany.

How much money does New York City make from tourism?
Tourism generated about $51 billion in direct spending in 2024, supporting 388,000 jobs and contributing over $6.8 billion in tax revenue.

Sources

1. NYC Tourism + Conventions (Official) — Year-End 2024 Tourism Numbers (64.3M visitors; $51B direct spend; $6.8B taxes; jobs)
2. NYC Tourism + Conventions (Official) — Press Releases Archive (statements by Mayor Eric Adams & CEO Julie Coker)
3. Office of the New York City Comptroller — Tourism’s Role in New York City’s Economy (hotel rooms, sector context)
4. Times Square Alliance — Research & Data (annual footfall ~50M and visitation insights)
5. Central Park Conservancy / NYC Parks — Press & Facts (Central Park visitation context ~42M)
6. National Park Service (NPS) — Statue of Liberty NM — Visitation Statistics
7. Empire State Building Observatory — Press Room & Visitor Facts (annual attendance context)
8. The Broadway League — Research & Statistics (annual tickets sold; 2023/24 season)
9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Newsroom (annual attendance updates)
10. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) — Press (visitor statistics and exhibitions)
11. 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Press & Facts (attendance context)
12. One World Observatory — Press Resources (visitor information)
13. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — Press Room (parade attendance & broadcast reach)
14. New York Road Runners (NYRR) — Media Center (TCS NYC Marathon runners & spectators)
15. Times Square New Year’s Eve — Press (in-person attendance; global audience)
16. US Open Tennis — USTA — Press Center (annual attendance in Queens, NYC)