NYC tourism reaches new high in 2010

According to reports in the New York Times, Crain's New York, and NYC.gov, a record 48.7 million people visited New York City this past year, with the result that 2010 was also a record-breaking year for the number of hotel rooms sold. The continued flow of tourists into the city boosted the state's economy by $31 billion and also increased the number of those employed in the hospitality industry to its largest number ever.

In announcing the record number of visitors, Mayor Bloomberg predicted the city was positioned to reach the goal of 50 million annual visitors by 2012, a tribute to its drawing power.

McGeehan, Patrick. New York Tourism Hit Record High in 2010, Mayor Says. New York Times. January 4, 2011