Texas native Christopher McCarthy said he came to New York City with the typical tourist's skepticism about New Yorkers. But he warmed up to the city on a recent visit here. "Everyone has their stereotypes of being cold and heartless," he said. "I've only felt warm feelings from everyone."
McCarthy's comments might come as a surprise -- he almost died after being stabbed in the heart on the subway during a recent trip. But then again, McCarthy's attitude is an increasingly common one. More tourists came to New York last year than ever before, and 44 million are expected to come in 2006, breaking the record again. And if Mayor Michael Bloomberg has his way, even more out-of-towners will be coming here soon.
Here is a photographic look at the city's tourism industry.
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