The city, which saw a record 60.7 million visitors in 2016, revealed at this month’s ITB Berlin travel show that it was expecting arrivals to drop by 300,000 after early flight search data indicated declines from some of its main international markets.

Christopher Heywood, global communications senior vice-president for NYC & Company (the destination marketing organisation for the five boroughs of New York), said the city was “cautiously optimistic” that its universal appeal would continue to attract visitors in their millions, but accepted demand could drop.

“Words matter, because what people are hearing could have an effect on their travel decisions,” he said.

NYC & Company unveiled a £3 million advertising campaign at ITB to “welcome the world” and remind travellers that the city is “open for business and welcoming visitors”.

The promotion will launch in the UK this month, to be followed by Germany, Spain and Mexico. Other tourist regions, New England and California, hoped 2017 would match last year’s healthy performances.

Alex Vigil, Visit California’s Europe and India marketing manager, said the state’s biggest challenge was the continuing strength of the dollar, but it has also taken steps to offset the potential fallout from President Trump’s travel bans. “Our strategy is more about crafting the message in existing campaigns to position California as a great value and welcoming destination,” he said.

Elsewhere, Visit Florida faces calls for a budget cut, after initial proposals suggested it be abolished.

On March 10, the Florida House of Representatives passed a bill establishing strict oversight of Visit Florida. The bill leaves the funding level of the organisation to be determined in negotiations between the House and Senate.

This year, Visit Florida had $78 million in state funds and Florida governor Rick Scott has reportedly asked for $76 million in the coming fiscal year. However, House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who is leading the legislative fight against Visit Florida, proposed slashing it to $25 million.