NYC urges visitors to look beyond Manhattan, anticipates 383,000 Indians in 2024
New York City Tourism + Conventions organised a targeted sales mission across three key Indian cities from January 29 to February 02, 2023, hosting impactful events in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi. With a focused delegation of partners, the mission aimed to actively engage with the Indian travel trade and provide comprehensive updates on the dynamic landscape of NYC Tourism.
New York City (NYC), a global hub of culture, commerce, and diversity, is a captivating travel destination for most travellers worldwide. NYC boasts the world's busiest airport system and serves as the primary port of entry for international travellers to the United States. In a triumphant return to form, NYC welcomed an astounding 61.8 million visitors in 2023, marking a remarkable 93 per cent recovery from pre-pandemic levels and surpassing the record visitation seen in 2019. With projections soaring even higher this year, at an anticipated 64.5 million visitors, the city's magnetic charm remains as potent as ever. Among these visitors are an increasing number from India. In 2023, New York City greeted 336,000 travellers from India, with an anticipated increase to 383,000 visitors this year.
New York City Tourism + Conventions
New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organisation and convention and visitors bureau for the city of New York, dedicated to maximising travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity, and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. The newly rebranded NYC Tourism and Conventions led a delegation of leading tourism partners to conduct its annual sales mission in India. The partners included the Empire State Building, Trump International Hotel & Tower NY, Hudson Yards, Millennium Hotels, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and Madame Tussauds. NYC Tourism + Conventions is also the official global partner of the IGLTA Foundation for their 2nd annual symposium in India.
The Mission
The mission's objective was to engage and re-establish connections with the Indian travel trade market, effectively strengthening business relationships within the industry and establishing New York City as a premier travel destination.
Their goal is to highlight the vibrancy and diversity of New York City's offerings by encouraging visitors to look beyond Manhattan and explore neighbourhoods like Long Island, the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.
The delegation provided comprehensive updates on the latest developments across various attractions, including transportation improvements and infrastructure expansions in iconic attractions such as the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Centre and outdoor spaces like Hudson Yards Little Island. Plans are also on the anvil for hotel developments to add 10,000 room nights by 2024.
Unique experiences that are quintessentially ' New York’ were encouraged to be added to client itineraries to showcase the diversity, inclusivity, and sheer talent of New York City. These experiences include City Climb at Hudson Yards, Roosevelt Island tram, Broadway shows, museum exhibits, dining experiences, Macy's fireworks, and seasonal events like cherry blossom viewing.
India’s Importance
With one out of every 10 visas issued globally being for Indian citizens, the demand for NYC shows no sign of ebbing. The significant increase in Indian visitor numbers in 2023, along with positive projections for 2024, highlights the importance of India as a crucial market. The launch of the Online Travel Trade Academy, featuring Hindi subtitles, demonstrates concerted efforts to attract the Indian market and empower trade partners to promote New York City's diverse offerings tailored for Indian travellers. With many of NYC's attractions catering to Indian travel preferences, this initiative aims to further enhance engagement with Indian visitors. Madame Tussauds in New York, a flagship attraction in the United States, recently introduced the wax figure of Baba Ramdev, amongst other Indian celebrities, showcasing the attraction's commitment to honouring Indian cultural icons. This addition acknowledges the significant influx and importance of Indian tourists. The additional offering of complimentary masala chai for groups at the attraction adds an extra authentic Indian hospitality touch that is sure to be a great hit.