New York City counters a decline in US travel by 2025 with 65 million visitors

The regional marketing organization New York City Tourism + Conventions has released its 2025 Annual Report on tourism in New York City. Data shows that tourist numbers and spending are up compared to 2024, proving the city’s resilience in a tough market.

In 2025, the US tourism industry went through difficult times. Industry participants have blamed President Donald Trump’s policies – including trade tariffs and a ban on tourists at the US border – for the drop in foreign tourists, prompting many to revise their growth forecasts. European and Canadian tourists in particular, did not have the opportunity to visit the US

However, the New York City Tourism Annual Report + 2025 shows how New York City has proven remarkably resilient in such a tough tourism market. Total visitation to the city grew moderately to 65 million visitors (a 0.7% increase over 2024) and generated $84.7 billion in total economic impact.

“By 2025, New York City’s tourism economy has become independent despite the global crisis, highlighting the enduring appeal of the five boroughs. The international visitor market is important to our economy, accounting for 50% of tourism spending. Despite the international decline, we have seen growth beyond all the veins of our economy: the total direct visitor spending was 55 billion dollars more than the 55 economic entry into hotels, restaurants, cultural centers, retail and small businesses across all five districts.

In general, the total number of visitors grew to 65 million visitors, an increase of 0.7% over 2024. As could be expected from the nationwide trend, the number of international tourists in NYC decreased slightly in 2025, although the decrease was smaller than previously stated. The city received 12.5 million international visitors, a decrease of 3.2% from 2024. In addition, visits increased annually from the UK (1.3%), Italy (5.5%), and Mexico (1.8%).

However, his travels remained strong. 52.4 million US visitors went to New York City, up 1.7% over 2024. The top five markets included the New York City tristate area, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles and Boston. Overnight trips increased by 2.3% over 2024.

While leisure travel accounted for 52.4 million visitors (99% of New York City’s 2019 peak), business travel accounted for 12.6 million visitors, which is still slightly behind by 2019 standards.

“New York City’s visitor market has seen rapid growth through 2025, as domestic travel remains the backbone of the tourism industry nationwide. Next year, we expect domestic travel to surpass 2019 levels, which is a sign of a major event and highlights the strength of our regional markets. York City’s position as the number one hotel owner in the US market,” said Charles Flateman, Chairman of the Board of New York City Tourism + Conventions and Executive Vice President of The Shubert Organization.

Overall, leisure and business travel combined generated $84.7 billion in total economic activity in New York City by 2025. This includes $55.6 billion in direct spending and $7.5 billion in local and state taxes. According to the New York City Tourism Association, the sector is responsible for 397,000 jobs.

What will the future bring?

As for 2026, New York City plans to receive 66.3 million visitors, which will mean an increase of 2% compared to 2025. Domestic visits should increase to 53.4 million visitors, thus exceeding the 2019 record values. In addition, international travel is expected to increase, hitting 12.9 million visitors annually. Growth is expected to come from all of New York City’s top 20 international markets. FIFA 26™ World Cup matches are expected to attract approximately 1.2 million visitors to the region, which could generate $3.3 billion in economic impact, including $1.8 billion in direct spending.