NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organisation, recently led a media and tourism delegation to India to present a new global initiative, 2019: A Monumental Year, highlighting several iconic and large-scale openings and developments debuting in the city.
The delegation was led Fred Dixon, President & CEO, NYC & Company and accompanying him were Mr. Christopher Heywood, SVP-Global Communications and Ms. Makiko Matsuda Healy, Managing Director - Tourism Market Development. The member businesses included Empire State Building, Gray Line Sightseeing, Hudson Yards Experiences, Macy’s Herald Square, One World Observatory, Spyscape: An Interactive Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Tour America LLC.
Some of the major new large-scale developments opening in New York City in 2019 include Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s far west side—the largest private real estate development in the history of the United States; The Shed, a multi-arts centre dedicated to global displays of visual art, design, media; and Vessel, a climbable urban landmark created by British designer Thomas Heatherwick.
Fitness brand Equinox will also open its first hotel within Hudson Yards. 2019 will also see the opening of the new Statue of Liberty Museum, expected to debut in May and the opening of the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in Queens. Additionally, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is undergoing a renovation and expansion that will increase gallery space by 30 percent and will enhance public spaces. The first phase of renovations is now complete and the next phase will be completed later this year. In June, 2019, New York City will also welcome WorldPride, the first time the big event will be held in the United States, with three million expected over the 30-day event (the majority of events will be held June 25–30). The LGBTQ celebration coincides with the historic 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
“It is a particularly exciting time in New York City, with unprecedented developments in terms of attraction and amazing hotel openings. The City is constantly evolving and now there is even more to look forward to.” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon. “We want to encourage visitors to enjoy these brand new attractions and plan ahead for what is regarded as a seminal year for New York City,” he said.
New York City welcomed a record 65.2 million visitors in 2018, the City’s ninth consecutive year for tourism growth, with 49.7 million domestic and 13.1 million international visitors. Visitation from India increased by an approximate 6.8 percent in 2018 from the previous year. New York City remains the number one US destination for international visitation, visitor spending and economic impact.