Print Preview : New York and nine sister cities commit to rebuilding international tourism

New York and nine sister cities commit to rebuilding international tourism
During the first ever New York Sister City Summit, Commission for the United Nations, Consular Corps and Protocol Commissioner Marjorie B Tiven, Sister Cities Programme President Ambassador Nancy E Soderberg and NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne L Nicholas announced they would jointly promote tourism between New York and its nine sister cities. The two-day summit, entitled Rebuilding International Tourism, was attended by Mayor Gabor Demszky of Budapest, Mayor Amos Masondo of Johannesburg, Mayor Jose Maria Alvarez del Manzano of Madrid, Mayor Roberto Salcedo of Santo Domingo as well as tour operators, tourism officials and delegates representing Cairo, Jerusalem, London, Rome and Tokyo.

The goal of the summit, organised by the New York City Commission for the United Nations, Consular Corps and Protocal, was to help revitalise tourism in New York, in its nine sister cities and around the world. Summit participants discussed ways to restore confidence in the travel and tourism industry and encourage citizens to embrace their right to travel. Summit participants, including key tour operators and professionals in the travel and tourism field, discussed the need for local, state and federal support for tourism, uniform security checks and marketing partnerships between government and tourism officials. In addition, Mayor Bloomberg and Executive Mayor Masondo formalised the New York-Johannesburg relationship by signing a Sister City proclamation.

This summit affirms our commitment to working together as partners in an effort to rebuild global tourism, said Mayor Bloomberg. As the world`s second home, New York remains the safest large city in the USA. With your co-operation and friendship we will continue to send that message to the globe and we are pleased to welcome your delegates, our Sister Cities, to New York with open arms.

The tourism summit underscores the crucial role of the industry in promoting economic development, said Sister Cities Program President Ambassador Nancy E. Soderberg. We are delighted to have such vibrant partners in this effort.

New York City tourism is responsible for US$25 billion in economic activity, supported nearly 300,000 jobs and generated US$3 billion in city, state and federal taxes. International visitors account for 18 per cent of all city visitors, yet are responsible for 42 per cent of tourism spending. Although New York City specific figures are not yet available (for 2001, believe it or not), 2001 nationwide international visitor numbers reflect an overall 9.4 per cent decline from 50.9 million international visitors to the USA in 2000 to 45.5 million in 2001. As the nation`s number one international visitor destination, New York City lost a significant number of international visitors and their corresponding spending in 2001.

Although tourism remains a vital component of New York`s economy, the industry in general and especially the lucrative international segment continues to struggle, said NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne L Nicholas. The return of international visitors is crucial to the complete recovery of New York`s tourism industry and we are excited about this opportunity to invite residents of our nine Sister Cities to come and enjoy everything the City has to offer at this important time. Theodore Koumelis - Wednesday, April 02, 2003