A major attraction
     Central Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world and spurring a surrounding hospitality industry.

     In 2007, Park visitors and attendees of its hosted events spent an estimated $80 million outside of the Park. Those same visitor dollars generated more than 1,000 full-time jobs. Apart from that, the ING New York City Marathon alone produced about $179 million.

     More than 26,600 guest rooms are concentrated around the Park, representing 37 percent of the city’s inventory and some of its most valuable hotel properties. It translates to more than 14,340 jobs and $670.6 million in paid wages.

     Central Park’s has also proven popular with filmmakers and photographers, with camera crews logging more than 4,000 location days each year. In 2007, the film industry created 616 full-time jobs and accounted for an estimated $135.6 million in spending.