LoginThe first-ever comprehensive study of New York City's tourism industry has found that the tourism and leisure sector has helped boost employment numbers over the past seven years.
According to the report by NYC and Company, the city has seen a record 52 million visitors and a 27 percent increase in leisure and hospitality jobs since 2006.
NYC and Company Chairman Emily Rafferty said officials expect the industry to continue to have a positive impact on the city's economy over the next few years as well.
"Tourism's robust growth since 2006 is no accident – it was the result of an innovative model and deliberate strategy to target emerging international markets and promote the diversity of tourism activities across all five boroughs," Rafferty said in a press release.
Meanwhile, the travel and tourism industry is also fueling the economic engine in California.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the sector recently added more than 9,000 jobs in the state, more than any other industry, according to eTN Global Travel News. The BLS noted that California's unemployment rate dropped to 8.6 percent from 9 percent in April, with the hospitality industry adding the most jobs.