NEW YORK CITY 1996 TOURISM NUMBERS BREAK RECORD 1997 PROJECTED TO TOP 1996
At a press conference at the world renowned Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Stephen J. Morello, President of the New York City Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), announced today that the number of domestic visitors traveling to the City has reached its highest level ever. More than 25,600,000 domestic visitors came to New York City in 1996, an overall increase of 5.3 percent from 1994, according to a report issued by the CVB.
"I'm very proud to be here today to announce the latest round of good news showing the continued record-breaking success of New York City's tourism industry," Mayor Giuliani said. "Whether you live across the bridge, across the country or across the ocean, New York City is a wonderful place to visit. Our streets are safer, cleaner and more vibrant than ever before. Our 1996-1997 Broadway season was the best it's ever been, and the forecast for 1997 is just as encouraging. We have among the world's finest museums, restaurant, hotels, concert halls and parks -- and this report shows that people are taking advantage of what we have to offer in record numbers.
"Last year, more than 25 million domestic visitors -- a new record -- came to New York City, " the Mayor continued. "That's 1.3 million more visitors than the previous year. And this year, we expect the number to exceed more than 26 million. This is all great news for the economy as well, because these visitors spent a total of $13.7 billion here, and generated more than $710 million in tax revenues for the City.
"The increase in tourism reflects the reality that New York City is one of the world's most exciting and popular destinations. Tourists now feel comfortable and safe here, and that is owed, in large measure, to our continued success in reducing crime. Just yesterday, I announced our latest achievement. Since 1993, overall crime in New York City has fallen nearly 44 percent, fueled by a 13 percent reduction this year alone. Murders have also plummeted by 60 percent since 1993.
"Today's announcement should make every New Yorker proud that our City is the Capital of the World and will continue to be a leader in the tourism industry." the Mayor concluded.
"Leisure visitors are to destinations what canaries are to coal mines," said Stephen J. Morello, President of the New York City Convention & Visitors Bureau. "They're the first to leave if they don't feel safe or feel they are not getting what they paid for. But record number of visitors doesn't mean it's time to sit back -- competition for tourist dollars is intense. We plan to step up our efforts domestically and in important international markets to build on this current momentum by telling the story of a safer New York."
According to the CVB report, the total number of visitors to the City in 1996 increased to 31.2 million -- the highest in the City's history. This record number is expected to grow to 31.9 million in 1997. Leisure visitors (visitors who travel to New York City for reasons other than business) accounted for the bulk of the year-to-year increase in domestic visitors, growing from 15.2 to 16.3 million, a seven percent jump.
The CVB report highlighted other significant findings:
- Tourists visiting New York City spent approximately $13.1 billion in 1996 , with projected estimates increasing to $13.7 billion in 1997.
- On average, the domestic visitor to the City spent $171.00 per person per day in 1996.
- Hotel occupancy rates reached an historic high of 81.8 percent, up six percent since 1994, due in large measure to the reduction of the hotel occupancy tax.
- The City has also experienced an increase in private sector jobs as a result of increasing tourism in the City. Since 1994 more than 4, 500 new jobs have been created in the tourism industry.
- For the first time in years new hotels are being built. One thousand new hotel rooms are expected to be added in 1997. In 1996 the City witnessed the opening of five new hotels; two have opened this year; and seven major hotel projects are either underway or have been proposed.
- The record number of visitors has spawned new attractions, theme restaurants and stores in visitor hot-spots around the New Times Square and 57th Street. The Disney Company, Morgan Stanley, Madame Tussaud and the Durst Company are just a few of the companies that have made major investments in the New Times Square. In 1996 over 20 million people visited Times Square and spent more than $3.5 billion.
- Business travel accounted for 36 percent of the City's domestic visitors, growing three percent to 9.3 million, an increase of 200,000 people.
Additionally, the study also revealed a shift in visitor demographics. The number of younger visitors to New York is on the rise. "Generation X" travelers (ages 18-34) constitute 42 percent of the market, up from 36 percent in 1995.
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