McKinsey consulting reports more than 62 million people visited New York City in 2023, representing 93% of 2019 levels.
That’s also a significant increase (9.3%) from the 56.7 million visitors to the Big Apple in 2022.
Domestic tourism has recovered to roughly 95% of pre-pandemic levels, with more than 50 million domestic travellers coming to the city in 2023.
International travel is not far behind, recovering to about 86% of 2019 levels. Eleven million international travellers visited New York City in 2023. They are an important source of travel revenue as they spend, on average, three times as much as domestic travellers.
The numbers of visitors from Canada and Mexico have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, McKinsey said.
Central Park, New York City. Jim Byers Photo
The city now expects to exceed pre-pandemic visitor numbers by 2025.
Although travellers are back, their mindsets and behaviors have shifted. Visitors are more interested in experiences (40% of US respondents in our recent traveller survey say they are willing to splurge on them), but gone are the days when destinations could get away with offering experiences that are kitschy, overcrowded, or one-size-fits-all. And visitors still want to see the most famous New York City sites (Central Park, for example, remains the number-one visitor attraction based on Tripadvisor reviews), but they are increasingly venturing beyond Manhattan, looking for one-of-a-kind adventures and spending time outdoors.
I had a great visit to the Bronx a few years ago, exploring lovely Wave Hill Gardens and also wandering around City Island, which has cool shops and fun, waterfront restaurants.
NOBU TORONTO OPENS FOR BUSINESS – HOTEL COMING NEXT SPRING
Nobu Hospitality, founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, has officially opened its doors to its first Canadian restaurant and bar, Nobu Toronto. Located in Toronto’s vibrant Entertainment District, just one block from Toronto International Film Festival and the city’s lively nightlife at 25 Mercer St. Nobu Toronto’s striking and immersive interiors set a new global standard for interior design and create a captivating and multifaceted hospitality experience. Starting today, the public can make dinner reservations for Nobu Toronto’s second level restaurant online through the Nobu Toronto website, up to 1 month in advance, or visit Nobu Bar, located street level, now open for walk-in reservations.
Opening Spring 2025, Nobu Hotel Toronto is situated above the historic Pilkington Glass Factory with two dramatic residential towers housing 660 units with the hotel located atop the west tower on floors 41 to 45, offering dazzling, panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.
FAB HAWAIIAN SPA REOPENS
Halekulani, Oahu’s most acclaimed luxury hotel just steps away from Waikiki Beach, announces the reopening of the award-winning SpaHalekulani following extensive renovations. Featuring three new suite-style treatment rooms, spa butlers and personalized wellness experiences, the intimate spa officially reopened on Aug. 1.
Designed by acclaimed New York City-based firm Champalimaud, the expanded yet discreet space honors the spa’s longstanding theme of Kawehewehe (healing waters) through multiple water features while boasting quiet technology and enhanced lighting and sound. The reimagined SpaHalekulani features three new private spa suites, spa menu, full salon, boutique and five additional treatment rooms and Skin Care Suite.
It’s a gorgeous property in a great location in Waikiki. Oh, and the mai tai’s are out of this world!
