New York City's Post-Pandemic Tourism Recovery Masks Long-Term Challenges

New York’s tourism industry has roared back from its rough pandemic years, but local pessimism and empty offices could hamper the sector’s long-term trajectory.

Meanwhile, local leaders say the tourism sector is more important than ever for the city's recovery.

Last year, New York reached 85 percent of its pre-pandemic volume, receiving 56.7 million visitors, over 9 million of which were international. This year, the city is projected to welcome 63.3 million visitors and have a full recovery in 2024, said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions (formerly NYC & Company). The tourism workforce is at around 85 percent of its pre-pandemic level and heading in the right direction, he added.

In an “amazingly short time,” the Big Apple has made a strong recovery, especially compared to other major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, said Peter van Berkel, chairman of the Inbound International Travel Association and president of Travalco. 

Globally, in 2022 the Big Apple ranked 8th in terms of international traveler spend ($12.45 billion) and 6th in terms of total travel and tourism GDP ($21 billion), according to the World Tourism and Travel Council.

During the global pandemic, thanks to borders closures a