Bite into the Big Apple

New York City has been looked upon as a traditional VFR market by Indians. Here's what the city offers for MiCE...

New York City's excitement and energy is unparalleled and highly catching. No matter the size, no matter the budget, no matter the requirements, the city can offer a host of options that are possibly unavailable anywhere else. Here, anything is possible. It is a one-stop city for amazing meetings, trade shows, conventions and events.

CONNECTIVITY

New York City accommodates travellers from around the globe thanks to its four regional airports, all of which are currently being expanded or extensively rebuilt with an investment of $16 billion. As for airlines, Air India and United Airlines service daily flights to New York City. Gulf Carriers have maximum number of flights into JFK and are increasing capacity year on year. European carriers too, have a strong hold from the Indian market. Singapore Airlines plan to launch non-stop SingaporeNYC later this year. Indian travellers are increasingly

NYC accommodates travellers through four regional airports

using Emirates as well. India is an important feeder market with business hubs and VFR in Singapore. As for the availability of public transportation upon arrival in NYC, the destination boasts unparalleled modes of transport.

A metrocard provides travellers with entry to the City's extensive network of subways and buses. The recently launched NYC Ferry now has four routes, servicing South Brooklyn, Long Island City, Astoria and the Rockaways in Queens.

The same cost as a one-way subway ticket ($2.75), the new ferry service connects locals and visitors to different neighborhoods throughout the city.

VERSATILE VENUES

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The seated floor plans are generally rounds of eight to 12 depending on the size of the event. However, the team can design the layout based on the client's needs, the team can set the room in a classroom or theater style. While they do not have an Indian menu, their chefs are happy to create a specialised menu and a complimentary tasting is included at the time of booking an event.

30 Rockefeller Plaza

It is an American Art Deco building that forms the centrepiece of Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. Its name is often shortened to 30 Rock. At 850 feet (260 m) high, the 66-story building is the 14th tallest in New York City and the 39th tallest in the United States. From ballrooms in the sky to manicured rooftop gardens, Rockefeller Center has elegant venues.

Rainbow Room: The Rainbow Room serves classic and contemporary American cuisine. There are other venues on the same level as The Rainbow Room: Bar SixtyFive and Private Dining Room.

Bar SixtyFive is available for semi-private, private terrace and exclusive private events. Meanwhile, Rainbow Room's Private Dining Room, presiding 65 stories above Midtown Manhattan, is adjacent to the Rainbow Room and exclusive space is ideal for intimate meals or confidential meetings.

620 Loft & Garden: This venue features extraordinary views of Fifth Avenue and St. Patrick's Cathedral from a manicured historic garden. This classic lofted space is entirely customisable, with one-of-a-kind views throughout the year.

Bateaux New York Cruising year-round from Chelsea Piers, it can offer professional planners and flexible packages for events. Companies can book their group onboard one of Bateaux's regularly scheduled lunch, brunch, cocktail or dinner cruises, or have an event planner customise a full deck or ship charter for an event.

NEW HOTELS

New York City has the most active hotel development pipeline in the country, with 117,300 hotel rooms as of May 2018 and an expected inventory of 136,500 hotel rooms by the end of 2019. Noteworthy hotel property openings in 2019 include Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards, Six Senses New York, TWA Hotel and Westin New York Staten Island, among others. The anticipated Times Square Edition will open with four levels of public space and 452 guest rooms, along with enticing amenities including a 5,800-sqft beer garden and event deck in the city.

Additionally, the new The Hoxton – Williamsburg is the UK brand's first foray into the US with 175 guest rooms and three restaurants. The brand's ethos of neighborhoodinspired design is reflected in the choice of locale— Williamsburg's Rosenwach Factory—where NYC's

Bateaux New York can offer professional planners flexible packages

iconic water towers were manufactured for nearly a century. A new Seaport District NYC development includes the recentlyopened Mr. C Seaport, a luxury hotel by the famous family hospitality brand Cipriani. This is their first on the East Coast. Acclaimed Danish architect Thomas Juul-Hansen has maintained the exterior's red brick façade with a nautical flare, while the 66-key boutique retreat boasts of contemporary exotic interiors.

SPOUSE PROGRAMME

Spouses accompanying their partners on MiCE travel to the destination will find a variety of exciting entertainment and diversions to enjoy. The Destination Services team is able to provide customised programmes for individual visiting groups, tailoured to the interests of the group. Examples include private museum tours, exclusive, celebrity chef experiences at elite NYC restaurants, private shopping that can incorporate fashion shows, special entry prior to store hours, and beyond.

VISA REQUIREMENT

A B-1/B-2 visitors visa is required for people travelling to the US temporarily for business or pleasure.

The ease in visa processes from India has lead to a faster turnover of applications. The rejection rate has also gone down compared to previous years leading to more and more individuals applying for a US visa. The 10-year visa has been a key factor in influencing repeat travel from India to the US.

SHOPPING IN NEW YORK

Macy’s Herald Square

The nation's largest department store, Macy's Herald Square, is arguably its most famous too. Located on busy West 34th Street in Midtown, come here to purchase clothing, housewares and accessories, which are spread out over its 11 floors (or 10.5, depending how you count) and 1.1 million square feet of retail space. It's also the brand's flagship, and associated with beloved annual events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is the main artery of New York City's shopping scene, having welcomed a steady stream of fashion mavens for over 100 years. It is also home to the 24-hour flagship Apple Store and the city's first jeweller Tiffany & Co.

Bergdorf Goodman

This venerable department store has been providing New York City society with all the necessary finery.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue have everything a shopaholic could possibly want. At Lord & Taylor's classic flagship, you will find brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, BCBG and Adriano Goldschmied, and selection of evening dresses, highquality coats and shoes. Barneys New York Downtown

The reopening of Barneys at the site of the historic brand's original location in Chelsea garnered lots of buzz when it launched earlier in 2016.

The Shops at Columbus Circle

Behind Time Warner Center's iconic, soaring glass wall that overlooks bustling Columbus Circle is New York's only urban resort destination where one can dine at multiple Michelinstarred restaurants.

Brookfield Place Brookfield Place is a 25,000 square-foot French marketplace, with dining and exceptional restaurants.

A B-1/B-2 visitors visa is required for people travelling to the US temporarily