Tourism in New York City saw a slight uptick in 2025, yet the number of visitors remains significantly lower than anticipated. A new report highlights that the city still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic numbers.
New York City Tourism + Conventions indicated that international travel has dropped nearly 5% from the previous year, attributing this decline to “tariffs and negative rhetoric” concerning travel to the U.S.
The city’s tourism agency reported that 64.7 million tourists visited in 2025, which is just a 0.3% increase year-over-year but still shy of the target of 67 million and below the 2019 record of 66.6 million.
There’s a forecasted drop in international visitors, projected to fall from 12.9 million in 2024 to 12.3 million in 2025. The report further suggests a decline from key markets in Western Europe due to ongoing negative sentiments around traveling to the U.S.
Visitor statistics indicate that tourists from Canada, Germany, France, Mexico, Spain, China, and the UK are expected to decline, while those from Italy, Brazil, and Australia may see a slight increase.
For October 2025 alone, the statistics revealed sharp declines in Canadian visitors, with air travel decreasing by 24% and road trips down by 31% compared to the previous year.
Matt Levy, owner of Spread Love Tours, expressed concern about the lack of international groups booking. Typically, he sees dozens of Canadian high school trips, yet only two are left for this year, and he suspects next year could be similar. He also mentioned a drop in domestic travel reservations just ahead of Thanksgiving.
After the 2024 presidential election, NYC Tourism + Conventions adjusted its forecasts, estimating around 66 million visitors in 2026, which still falls short of the 2019 benchmark. This includes roughly 12.7 million international travelers.
A silver lining appears in the domestic tourism numbers, which are anticipated to grow by about 1.5% year-over-year, reaching 52.2 million in 2025 and rising again to 53.3 million in 2026, potentially exceeding 2019 figures.
On the business travel front, it’s reported that 2025 will see stagnation and that pre-pandemic levels might not return until 2029 due to economic concerns and shifts in travel behavior.
While hotel revenues per room have increased by over 4%, occupancy rates have slightly dipped compared to 2024. Broadway has reportedly rebounded to figures near pre-pandemic levels.
Pedestrian traffic in Manhattan has also bounced back to 90% of 2019 levels, up from 70% in 2024, indicating more foot traffic from both locals and visitors.
Luxury hotels have seen the most significant rise in occupancy, with high-income tourists spending over $1,000 per night and contributing three times the economic impact of regular visitors.
Foreign tourists play a crucial role in local tourism spending and are responsible for about 50% of it, which, according to Julie Coker, CEO of NYC Tourism and Conventions, is vital for the city’s economy. The report predicts a loss of over $4 billion in direct spending.
Industry estimates show that tourism supports more than 60% of entertainment jobs and significantly impacts restaurants and retail sectors. Andrew Riggy, director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, stressed the need for city and state leaders to invest more in tourism to compete with other cities.
With notable events like America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup approaching, investments are deemed essential for maximizing benefits for New Yorkers. Some Cup games are scheduled for New Jersey, likely bringing an increased influx of visitors to the area.
