New York hit a record-breaking number of 52 million visitors to the city in 2012. It's a one million increase from the previous year.
New York has always been among the top cities for tourists. However, 2012 saw a record-breaking number of visitors flocking to the city. According to a report by Breaking Travel News, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Monday that New York recorded a total of 52 million visitors in 2012.
The announcement was made ahead of the annual mega-street party for the dropping of the New Year's ball on Times Square. According to the statistics revealed by the mayor, 41 million of the visitors were from the United States, while the other 11 million came from other countries all over the world.
"New York City continues to attract people from all around the world who want to experience our unique culture, food, parks, shopping, arts and energy," Bloomberg said. "We are well on our way to achieving our new goal of 55 million visitors and $70 billion in economic impact by 2015."
Despite Hurricane Sandy, tourism was not affected much, the mayor said.
"The economy here is so big that it's really hard to argue that Sandy hurt [tourism]," Bloomberg said at the press conference.
Bloomberg also unveiled plans to transform the waterfront on Staten Island with the construction of the world's largest Ferris wheel.
"Our Administration has made major investments all along the North Shore of Staten Island, because we know this area is full of potential for economic growth," Bloomberg said. "But this newest plan is the most exciting of all. The New York Wheel will be an attraction unlike any other in New York City - even unlike any other on the planet.
"It will offer unparalleled and breathtaking views, and is sure to become one of the premier attractions in New York City and the latest exciting addition to our newly revitalised waterfront," he said.
