New York City draws 48.7 million tourists in 2010

[Renew Deal]

(CNN) -- So much for an economic downturn.

New York City drew 48.7 million tourists in 2010, exceeding last year's total and surpassing projections, while adding more jobs and employing a record amount of New Yorkers in the hospitality industry, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday.

The number of tourists rose 6.8 percent from 2009 to surpass early projections of 47.5 million, putting the Big Apple on pace to meet its goal of attracting 50 million annual visitors by 2012, Bloomberg said.

The hospitality industry also added 6,600 jobs in 2010, employing more New Yorkers in the industry than ever, the mayor said.

New York set records for hotel rooms added (7,000) and room nights sold (25.7 million), even as room rates increased overall, Bloomberg said. Attendance at nonprofit cultural institutions and Broadway shows also increased.
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http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/01/04/new.york.city.tourism/index.html?hpt=C2