Offbeat NYC graffiti tour survives despite predicted drop in foreign tourism thanks to visitors from this country: ‘They’re obsessed with street art’
French Tourists Flock to Brooklyn for Graffiti and Street Art Tours
Industrial Brooklyn has become a hot spot for French tourists seeking out quirky walking tours of warehouses covered in graffiti and street art. Despite a projected 20% drop in overall foreign tourism to New York City this year, these art-loving travelers from France are still making their way to Brooklyn in large numbers.
Audrey “Byte” Connolly, a tour guide with Graff Tours in Bushwick, has been leading these unique tours for nearly a decade. She attributes the strong interest from French tourists to a shared appreciation for urban art in both New York and Paris. While other international visitors have dwindled, the French remain enthusiastic about exploring the vibrant street art scene in Brooklyn.
Antoine Jacquet, a 23-year-old visitor from Dijon, France, mentioned that navigating immigration hurdles under the Trump administration has been challenging. However, he remains hopeful that tourism will pick up with the upcoming Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, whose policies align more closely with European values.
Despite the overall decline in foreign tourism, Graff Tours is still seeing steady business from French travelers. However, there has been a noticeable drop in visitors from other countries like Germany and Israel. The impact of reduced tourism is being felt in Bushwick, affecting local businesses that cater to international visitors.
Gabe Schoenberg, president of Graff Tours, acknowledges the challenges posed by the decline in foreign tourism and is now focusing on attracting domestic tourists and locals through targeted social media campaigns. He also noted that rising costs and fears over tariff-related price increases are contributing to the reluctance of tourists to visit New York City.
In an effort to diversify their offerings, Graff Tours has expanded beyond walking tours to include spray painting classes and corporate events. This strategy has helped them stay afloat during uncertain times, with class revenue becoming a significant source of income compared to traditional tour revenue.
Overall, while the tourism landscape in New York City may be shifting, the interest in graffiti and street art from French tourists remains strong, providing a unique and engaging experience for visitors exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn.
