Underfunded NYC Tourism Bureau Pushes for First Major Budget Increase in Nearly 20 Years

NYC Tourism + Conventions is seeking an $11.9 million increase in city funding to bring its annual appropriation to $35 million and restore funding left out of the mayor’s FY27 executive budget. Public funding has stayed effectively flat for nearly two decades while other destinations have expanded tourism marketing and convention sales budgets. The funding gap is described as limiting the city’s ability to compete for meetings, conventions, and major events. Chicago approved a Tourism Improvement District to expand marketing funding, yet its marketing budget still trails competitors. Las Vegas and Orlando operate on much larger annual tourism funding levels. The city also faces competitive pressure as it prepares for America250 and the FIFA World Cup 26, despite visitation remaining near pre-pandemic levels.

"NYC Tourism + Conventions is pressing for an $11.9 million increase in city funding. This will raise its annual appropriation to $35 million, restoring funding excluded from Mayor Zohran Mamdani's FY27 executive budget. Its public funding has remained effectively flat for nearly two decades, while competing destinations are expanding their tourism marketing and convention sales budgets."

"“While New York City remains one of the world's strongest destinations for meetings, conventions, and major events, the current funding shortfall limits our ability to compete as aggressively as other cities that are significantly increasing their tourism and convention sales investments,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO, New York City Tourism + Conventions."

"Chicago, for example, recently approved a Tourism Improvement District that will increase hotel taxes and expand funding for marketing. Even with that change, Choose Chicago says its roughly $34 million marketing budget still trails competitor cities. By comparison, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority operates on $460 million annually, largely supported by room taxes and gaming revenue, while Visit Orlando's latest budget is $105 million in tourism development funding."

"NYC Tourism + Conventions says the gap puts the city at a competitive disadvantage in attracting conventions and events, particularly as it prepares for America250 and the FIFA World Cup 26. The city welcomed 65 million visitors in 2025, up 0.7% over 2024. Domestic travel rose to 52.4 million, up 1.7% over 2024, while international travel declined 3.2% to 12.5 million."

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