Temperatures May be Cold in NYC, but this City is Hot for Travelers

Photo Credit: www.nyctrip.com

Photo Credit: Jeff Greenberg

Even with a dismal economic outlook, one city is still breaking records for travelers…New York City (NYC). Last year, NYC surpassed top destinations such as Orlando and Las Vegas to rank number one in tourism spending in the United States for the first time and it is predicted that these just released record tourism numbers will keep NYC in the top spot. In addition to record-breaking visitor numbers and tourism spending, NYC’s hotel occupancy rate remains more than 20 percentage points higher than the national average.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber, and NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta announced that NYC attracted an estimated 47 million visitors and $30 billion in total spending in 2008, both record highs. The latest tourism numbers surpass the 46 million visitors and $28.9 billion NYC attracted in 2007. International tourism accounted for the increase, with an additional one million international visitors coming to NYC in 2008, bringing the total to 9.8 million.

“Despite the economic challenges all cities are facing, tourism remains a bright spot for New York City, with 47 million visitors spending $30 billion here in 2008, the highest totals we’ve ever achieved,” Mayor Bloomberg said.

As NYC maintains its position as a top global travel destination for U.S. residents and international guests alike, speaks highly of its unique offerings from shopping, dining, cultural attractions and even free travel activities.

“I will be traveling to NYC over New Year’s and will visit the major museums for free, simply by planning my visits for when they have their free days,” according to Hilary, editor of Less Than a Shoestring from Berlin, Germany.

Like Hilary, many visitors will be counting down the end of 2008 and the birth of 2009 in Times Square for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Several NYC hotels and restaurants are offering special holiday promotions. Following are two offering celebration packages.

70 park avenue hotel

“New Year’s Around the World” at 70 park avenue hotel.  The hotel will invite all guests staying on December 31st to celebrate New Year’s around the world in the city that never sleeps. Toast all day with complimentary cocktails as the international clocks in the lobby ring in the New Year, from mimosas in Melbourne to Pimms in London. Gear up for your night-on-the-town with a champagne toast that evening during wine hour, and cheers to the last few hours of 2008. Rates for New Years Eve start at $459/night.

70 Park Ave, between 37th and 38th Street; Web site: www.70parkave.com ; Phone: 1-877-707-2752

The Muse New York’s District Restaurant

Photo Credit: www.themusehotel.com

District restaurant, located adjacent to The Muse Hotel, will celebrate the New Year with two prix-fixe menus. For those looking to dine before ringing in 2009, District will offer a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $55/per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity) at 5:30pm. A second seating at 8:30pm will offer guests a four-course prix-fixe including a Champagne toast at midnight for $125/person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). Wine pairings will be available for an additional $50/person and live entertainment will begin at 9pm with a televised viewing of the ball drop in Times Square.

The Muse New York’s District Restaurant, 130 West 46th Street; Web site: www.themusehotel.com ; Phone: 212.485.2999

Traveling to NYC

Photo Credit: www.TripperBus.com

For those traveling to NYC in 2009, the trip just became easier with a new transportation option for those in the Washington, DC metro area. Starting in 2009, TripperBus.com will be offering tickets for as little as $1 per way as a special promotion, with additional seats available at $5, $10 and the standard price of $25 each way.

Traveling between Washington, DC and NYC has never been so easy, convenient, or cost-effective. Tripper Bus’ first class coaches will provide free Wireless service and electrical outlets, allowing travelers to maximize productivity during travels.

To avoid congestion and parking challenges in downtown DC, Tripper Bus is offering convenient, Metro-accessible pick-up and drop-off locations in Bethesda, Maryland and Arlington, Virginia.

Travelers can make reservations for TripperBus.com’s new travel schedules with convenient pick up and drop off locations at the Rossyln and Bethesda Metro locations for DC Metropolitan area and near Penn Station in NYC starting today at www.TripperBus.com or calling 1-877-826-2874.

What to do in NYC?

If traveling to the Big Apple, especially for the first time, the City might be overwhelming in all that there is to see and experience. By using a tour operator, such as New York City Vacation Packages (NYCVP), travelers can be rest assured that their vacation will be complete with their dream activities. Visit: www.nyctrip.com

“NYCVP has tickets to otherwise “sold out” shows like Jersey Boys and Wicked; and can provide better pricing, expert advice on hotel selection, and a complete and varied array of sightseeing/touring options that will increase the value of the vacation experience,” according to NYCVP Vice President Joel Cohen.

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC?