New York tourism on decline

It's not known how many more or less will head down to watch the ball drop at Time Square but it is known that first annual decline in eight years is being experienced by New York when it comes to tourism.

Which given the economy is understandable, many people are faced with the ability of traveling less. One part of the New York Time's article from today:

At Souvenirs on 5th, a gift shop on West 34th Street, Carlos Flores had time to rearrange merchandise just 12 hours before the crystal ball was to begin its descent toward the throng in Times Square. The store was fully stocked with all manner of T-shirts, key chains and other keepsakes expressing a global fondness for the city and, especially, its police force and firefighters. But few were selling — for the posted $15 or even at a haggler’s discount.

“My boss is really suffering,” lamented Mr. Flores, who said he lived in Astoria, Queens, and had been selling souvenirs in the city for 10 years. “We used to work here, like, 10 guys, now it’s just 3 people. This time of year, we used to work 24/7. Now there’s no people. They’re not spending money.”