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International Tourists Return to NYC, Reinvigorating the City’s Economy

International Tourists Return to NYC, Reinvigorating the City’s Economy

By Yehudit Garmaise


New Yorkers may have noticed in the past two days, the slow but steady reappearance of tourists: just one-day international travelers were once again welcomed into the US, after 18 months of a pandemic travel ban.

Under new federal rules, fully vaccinated travelers, who have proof of full vaccination and negative COVID tests that were taken within 72 hours of travel, can now enter the US.

“We're seeing more and more foot traffic in key parts of the city,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said this morning. “We're seeing tourists come out. Hotel bookings are going up intensely.”

The sight of tourists is not just a sign of the city’s recovery, but international travelers are a crucial part of the city’s economy, emphasized Fred Dixon, who is the president and CEO of NYC & Company, which promotes travel to the city from all over the world.

Dixon pointed out that while visitors from around the globe only comprise 20% of the city’s tourists, international travelers spend 50% of the money that is spent on tourism in the city.

In fact, Dixon emphasized, “It takes the spending of four domestic travelers to equal the spending of one international traveler.”

In addition, not only do international travelers also stay in 50% of the hotel rooms, but tourists from around the world, who stay in the city for an average of six and a half nights, per visit, tend to stay longer than domestic visitors.

“So you can quickly see how important international travelers are to our economy,” Dixon said. 

“They're ready to spend their money in this city,” Mayor de Blasio said. “We are so happy about that.

“So, many people will get their jobs back now. So much more activity for the good of this city.”

“Yesterday, 253 international flights arrived into New York City’s airports, from all over the globe, and that is an 11% increase over a similar day in October,” Dixon said. 

City Hall, which is doing its part to bring back tourists, has allocated $6 million for Dixon’s international campaign for promoting travel to New York City.

Yesterday, for instance, to welcome British Airways' first flight into New York City after 18 months, the Empire State Building was lit up with the colors of the British Union Jack flag.

“Our message to vaccinated travelers worldwide, who want to come to our vibrant and safe city, is ‘We welcome you,’” Dixon said.

In a partnership with British Airways, Dixon has promoted British travel to the city by posting billboards that promote flights from the UK to New York City.

Additionally, Dixon has re-opened outposts that promote travel to the city from 13 other key international markets, such as Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Brazil, and South Korea.


Dixon emphasized the need to “remain competitive to drive both business and leisure travel back into New York, as so many destinations are going to be fighting for these same international travelers, especially in the early phases of recovery."

Claire Bentley, who is the managing director of British Airways Holidays, and who flew into New York City yesterday, along with British Airways CEO Sean Doyle, on the airlines first flight to land in the city in 18 months said she couldn’t wait to come back to the largest city in the US.

“To see the cityscape, the bright blue skies, and the sunshine was certainly a spectacle after such a long time,” said Bentley, who said that Brits are “clamoring to return to New York City” and “are looking and booking trips online.” “The city looks in great shape.”


(Photo credit: Unsplash)


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