New York City attracted more tourists than expected in 2011

New York City is more a popular tourist hotspot than originally thought.

Gotham attracted a record 50.5 million visitors last year, higher than officials original estimate of 50.2 million guests. The city had just under 49 million guests in 2010.

The visitors spent $32 billion during their stay -- also a record -- according to NYC & Company, the city's tourism agency. Most of the tourists were from the U.S.

NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta credited the larger total to a spike in visitors during the "unseasonably warm" holiday season.

Orlando edged out New York City in 2010 with more visitors, and expected to do it again in 2011 with 53 million guests. Tourism officials there said they hadn't yet finished counting last year's total.