Start Spreading The News, New York Is Back

New York City is again rolling out the welcome mat out for visitors.

NYC & Company, the city’s tourist board, said the city is staging a US$30-million advertising campaign reassuring visitors that they can have a safe and enjoyable New York City visit, reports Press Today’s Ian Stalker.

The campaign will initially focus on the Americans who live within driving distance of the city and then be broadened.

“New York City is still very much alive and thriving…,” NYC & Company president Fred Dixon said during a Wednesday webinar. “We’re going to be ready when the international visitors head our way.”

Dixon told viewers that coping with the coronavirus pandemic has “been a very long road” but his city is “beginning to see the recovery take place…Our recovery will be gradual but it is certain.”

Stay Well Pledge

The city struggled with coronavirus last year. Officials have created the New York City Stay Well Pledge, which counsels people on how to follow public health protocols – such as the use of masks and social distancing – while in the city.

All five of the city’s boroughs are ready to welcome visitors, Dixon continued.

Webinar viewers were told that this year will see the city gain new attractions and hotels, including the city’s second Ritz-Carlton and one of singer Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville properties.

Last year unsurprisingly saw the number of people visiting New York City plummet, with 22.3 million arriving. That was well down from 2019’s 66.6 million.

However, Dixon said NYC & Company expects New York will see a significant rebound this year, with 36.4 million people visiting. Yearly increases will see the number of visitors reach 69.3 million in 2024, he continued.

“I can feel bullish about our future,” Dixon added.

Dixon said tourism officials have been studying ways of reducing the carbon footprint travellers have during New York City visits, enabling the city to “become an even more sustainable destination.”

Lots Of Options

Among options for those wishing to explore the city are bike rentals, a transportation mode Dixon said provides convenient access to city attractions.

Meanwhile, city mayor Bill de Blasio praised his city as “one of the greatest tourism destinations in the world,” adding visitors can find the cuisines and art of “the entire world gathered in one place.”

Outdoor dining has become common since the onset of the pandemic and has “revolutionized street life,” de Blasio said.

“This is the place to come if you want to experience (a city’s) rebirth…,” he added. “We welcome tourists back. We guarantee them an amazing experience.”

New York City was also praised by Roger Dow, head of the United States Travel Association, which promotes travel to the United States.

“Nothing can keep New York City down…,” he said. “Once again New York City is taking the lead.”