New York’s attractions

Destination marketers NYC & Company came to town last week to tell the travel trade what’s on in the city that never sleeps for 2022, and 2023.

More than 9,000 new hotel rooms will be coming online this year with the Aman New York, the Ritz-Carlton NoMad and the Hard Rock Hotel New York all set to open this spring.

The city expects 751,000 visitors this year from the UK, compared to 1.27m in 2019, and is projecting just under 1.1m to make the trip in 2023, which would re-establish the UK & Ireland as its number one source market.

Speaking in London, NYC & Company Chief Executive Fred Dixon said that he was encouraged by the initial response to the reopening of transatlantic travel, with 30 direct daily flights now operating from London.

He also said that the reopening offered a golden opportunity for the travel trade, as customers navigated changes to restrictions and sought more advice and reassurance.

“The amount of change within the city means we have a new story to tell, and we know the travel trade will play a key role in communicating that to their customers”, he said.

“The pandemic served as affirmation that booking through the trade has always been the right decision, and we are working on plans to ensure our trade partners and travel agents have all the tools they need to tell our story again.”

While he admitted headwinds including the Ukraine conflict, fuel prices, inflation and exchange rates remained a concern, he said he was confident pent-up demand and income saved during the pandemic would result in a strong 2022 and growing momentum heading into next year.

“Hotel occupancy is back in the 80s (%) and while the domestic market is the main driver, we have seen a rapid uptick in international travel and travel from this market”, he added.

“Vaccine requirements and mask mandates are being eased and that is making the city even more attractive.”

Dixon said that NYC & Company had joined the US Travel Association in lobbying for the removal of pre-departure testing requirements for visitors, and added that he hoped the requirement would be lifted in time for the summer season.

www.nycgo.com

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