Don’t call it a comeback unless you’re talking about tourists.
Travel demand to New York City has increased dramatically, Delta Airlines the executive said on an earnings call this week.
“New York really didn’t go back last year and of course we have a lot of exposure to New York,” said airline chairman Glen Hauenstein on the call. However, that all changed this year.
“We’re seeing New York really well [demand] “It’s not just about improving the origin market, but New York is also improving the destination market,” says Hauenstein.
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Hauenstein’s comments came in response to a question about demand for business travel, noting that even as the tech industry is weakening, financial services workers have traveled more this year.
However, he notes that leisure travel — particularly high-yield leisure travelers who pay for more legroom, premium economy class, domestic first class, and international business class — also showing evidence of a solid recovery in the New York market.
“What’s really interesting is the blurred line between corporate profits and that of high-productivity entertainment that didn’t exist before the pandemic,” Hauenstein said.
The airline is not alone in seeing more travelers returning to New York.
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Fred Dixon, president and chief executive officer of New York City Convention and Tourism – the city’s official tourism organization – told TPG that the group has seen a consistent increase in tourism. calendar since the pandemic low.
Dixon said: “In 2022, we have recovered about 85% of 2019’s record traffic, welcoming a total of 56.7 million visitors. “Overall visits are expected to reach 63.3 million by 2023 and will surpass the 2019 record by 2024.”
Those 2022 levels are up 72.5% from 2021.
Overall tourism is expected to increase sharply this summer. Hauenstein talks about 75% of seats on Delta’s international flights This summer is already booked, though he describes domestic bookings as “significantly less than that.”
If you’re looking to take a trip this summer but haven’t booked yet, follow TPG to find out Latest flight and hotel deals And summer travel tips.
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