(Newswire.net — January 23, 2016) — The number of tourists to visit New York City has been rising for the past six years. In the last year it reached a record of 58.3 million people, an increase of 1.8 million visitors from a year ago.
Also, a record number of bookings – 107,000 rooms – was registered in 2015. Hotels sold a record of 33.7 million room-nights (1.26 million more hotel room-nights sold than in 2014). Meeting and convention delegates reached new heights, with a total number of 6.1 million attendees.
New York City was visited by 46 million domestic tourists and approximately 12 million from abroad, with most of them being from the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and China.
According to local officials, New York City is the most popular destination in the US for international tourists.
The tourism boom is growing despite the fact that terrorist attacks by sympathizers of the Islamic State militant group are possible in New York City, reports Reuters.
After the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015 in which 130 people were killed, and after the December shooting in the US city of San Bernardino where attackers killed 14 people, New York City officials are in a constant state of trying to convince the citizens and tourists that the city is well prepared to deal with any type of threats.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said that New York City is the safest and most exciting big city in America.
“Through the hard work of NYC & Company, and their support of the City’s various attractions—from restaurants to the performing arts and more – 2015 marked a new milestone for NYC tourism. As the safest and most exciting big city in America, we have so many rich offerings that continue to make the five boroughs a global draw,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio to the NYC & Company.