Mayor: NYC had record number of tourists in 2011

NEW YORK — A record number of tourists visited New York City this year, spending about $32 billion, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on Tuesday.

1. More from TODAY.com
   1. Justin Bieber allegedly batters photographer
      

      On Sunday, Justin Bieber's squeaky-clean reputation took a hit as the singer allegedly launched into a physical altercatio...

   2. Iraq veteran calls VetDog 'life changing'
   3. Bobby Brown sings for Memorial Day crowd
   4. 'Noah's Ark' built to save frogs in peril
   5. Jilted groom suing for $61K: ‘I tried to be a nice guy’

By the end of 2011, about 50.2 million people will have visited the city, generating an economic impact of around $48 billion, the city said in a news release.

Tourism has contributed to supporting 320,000 jobs in the five boroughs, according to the city.

"Five and half years ago, we set an ambitious goal to reach 50 million visitors by 2015 and in 2008, we accelerated that goal to be the end of 2012," Bloomberg said in a statement. "Today, we know that we will exceed this significant milestone by year's end."

New York also kept its ranking in 2011 as the No. 1 city destination and overseas destination in the United States.

"We look forward to building on this milestone in the years ahead and inviting even more visitors from around the globe to experience the energy and excitement of New York City," said Emily Rafferty, head of NYC & Company, a marketing group.

NYC & Company said the city will attract 10.1 million international visitors in 2011, up 4 percent from 2010. The United Kingdom is the top source of overseas visitors, with more than 1 million expected by the end of 2011 - a 2 percent increase.

The city also expects to attract a record number of domestic visitors -- 40.1 million, up 2.9 percent from last year.

New York City held onto its position as the premier port of entry to the United States. The city increased its market share for all inbound U.S. international travel, from a 28 percent market share in 2006 to about a 33 percent market share in 2010.

Each additional share point accounts for about $600 million in spending for the city.

Bloomberg created NYC & Company in 2006 by merging the existing NYC & Company with NYC Big Events and NYC Marketing. (Editing by Dan Grebler)