NYC Tourism Facts & Statistics 2026
New York City’s tourism industry is riding a powerful wave of recovery, and the numbers tell an incredible story. In 2024, nearly 65 million visitors came to New York City — the second-highest figure in city history New York City, proving once again that NYC remains the ultimate destination for travelers worldwide.
Experience NYC from the Water
While millions flock to traditional attractions, savvy visitors are discovering NYC’s most thrilling perspective—from the water. Sea the City Jet Ski tours offer an unforgettable way to experience Manhattan’s iconic skyline, launching from convenient locations just 10 minutes from Manhattan.
Choose from two incredible experiences: our popular Sea the Highlights 1-hour tour gets you up close to the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Freedom Tower, or go all-in with the Sea It All 2-2.5 hour adventure that circumnavigates Manhattan Island, covering all three rivers and landmarks like Yankee Stadium, the George Washington Bridge, and the United Nations. Check out our photo gallery to see what makes water-based tourism one of NYC’s fastest-growing attractions.
Perfect for special occasions, corporate events, or just an epic NYC adventure.
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Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers
Looking ahead to 2025, projections indicate that visitation is likely to exceed 68 million for the first time Nyc tourism, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. That’s millions of people experiencing everything from Broadway shows to waterfront adventures—including unforgettable jet ski tours around Manhattan’s iconic skyline.
The breakdown is fascinating: of the 64.5 million visitors in 2024, 51.6 million were domestic travelers while international visitors accounted for 12.9 million Road Genius. While international tourism still trails pre-pandemic levels by a small margin, European travelers are leading the charge back to NYC, with visitors from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy dominating overseas arrivals.
Lower Manhattan: The Waterfront Hotspot
Lower Manhattan continues to shine as a tourism powerhouse. The hospitality sector enjoyed a successful Q2, finishing with a $334 average daily rate and an 88% occupancy rate City Guide NYs – some of the strongest numbers in the entire city. This waterfront destination offers visitors the perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure.
Speaking of waterfront adventures, more tourists are discovering that the best views of Lower Manhattan aren’t from the streets—they’re from the water. Whether you’re zipping past the Statue of Liberty or cruising alongside the Brooklyn Bridge, NYC’s waterways offer perspectives you simply can’t get anywhere else.
Tourism’s Massive Economic Impact
The economic ripple effects are staggering. Visitor activity generated an economic impact of $79 billion across the city and state economies, including over $51 billion in direct traveler spending in 2024 New York City. This tourism boom supported over 388,000 jobs and generated more than $6.8 billion in tax revenue, helping save NYC households approximately $2,000 each in 2024.
Hotels & Extended Stays
NYC has 700+ hotels with close to 200,000 rooms, and occupancy continues to lead the nation at approximately 85% in 2024 Timessquare billboard. Visitors are staying longer too, giving them more time to explore beyond the typical tourist traps and discover hidden gems like jet ski tours that launch just minutes from Manhattan.
What This Means for Visitors in 2026
As we move through 2026, NYC tourism continues its upward trajectory. The city offers more experiences than ever before, from traditional attractions to adrenaline-pumping water sports. With improved transit options, expanded Citi Bike access, and a safer city overall, there’s never been a better time to explore New York from every angle—including from the water.
Don’t just see NYC—Sea the City! With the highest ratings on TripAdvisor, Google, and Yelp, our jet ski tours consistently deliver unforgettable experiences. Have questions? Check out our FAQ page or contact us directly.
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Our Jet Ski Tours Launch Just 10 Minutes from Manhattan.
Experience NYC’s skyline, bridges, and landmarks from the water—the way they were meant to be seen.