Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and NYC & Company Board of Directors Chair and Metropolitan Museum of Art President Emily Rafferty today announced that New York City will reach 50.2 million visitors by the end of 2011, achieving the goal of attracting 50 million visitors by 2012 one full year ahead of schedule. Throughout 2011, the City maintained its position as the number one city destination and overseas destination in the United States. In recognition of this achievement, Mayor Bloomberg today presented the Johnson family from Lichfield, England with a “golden ticket” to New York City and named them the honorary 50 millionth visitors to New York City. The announcement was made in iconic Times Square – the crossroads of the world – as video screens flashed “50 million” and more than 100 members of the tourism industry joined to celebrate the historic moment. Mayor Bloomberg was also joined by New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council President Peter Ward and members of the City’s tourism industry.
“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,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Today, we know that we will exceed this significant milestone by year’s end. New York City’s quality of life has contributed to this great success and we are confident we will sustain the success of our tourism industry in the months and years ahead.”
