TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, reveals New York City may see a decline in British visitors as the Statue of Liberty closes. The iconic statue, a priority for most travellers to NYC, is scheduled to undergo a one-year renovation, beginning in late October.
 
A poll of over 8,000 travellers revealed that 42% of respondents would wait for the statue to re-open before travelling to New York City, while 58% would visit the Big Apple regardless.
 
“The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic sites in the world and is a top priority for New York City tourists,” commented Emma O’Boyle, TripAdvisor spokesperson.
 
“Although Liberty Island, where the statue sits, will remain open, travellers will not be able to tour the statue or see the views from her famous crown. It seems that British travellers hold the iconic site in such high regard that they’d actually put-off travelling to NYC until they can experience the Statue of Liberty in her full glory. “
 
The planned closure is part of an extensive renovation project to improve traveller safety and accessibility of the Statue of Liberty and will include the addition of new staircases and elevators.  The statue’s interior will remain open until 28th October 2011 before closing for one year.