NYC and London Sign Tourism Agreement

Two-year Agreement Between NYC & Company and Visit London Includes Advertising Exchange and Sharing

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. September 16, 2009

SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg joined by London Mayor Boris Johnson, NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta and Visit London CEO Sally Chatterjee, today announced a two-year tourism agreement between New York City and London and the cities respective tourism arms. During an international conference at Columbia University where the two Mayors met to discuss their financial sectors, the diversification of their economies, building and maintaining their capital plants and expanding housing affordability, Mayor Bloomberg and Mayor Johnson announced that under the responsibility of NYC & Company and Visit London, New York City and London will employ a two-year partnership including an outdoor media advertising exchange with a value of $178,500 annually for each of the two years. Mayor Bloomberg and Mayor Johnson also revealed as part of the agreement that NYC & Company and Visit London will share best practices as a way to maximize travel between the two destinations.

"Now more than ever as we work to limit the effects of the ongoing global financial crisis, it is important to capitalize on opportunities to protect and grow our most vital economic industries," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New York City and London - the world's dominant free-market democratic cities - can certainly learn from each other and work together to remain leading global cities."

"London and New York City share many similarities, including a strong sense of optimism and determination, along with a great appreciation for diversity and innovation," said Mayor Johnson. "Our common cultural ties, not least absolute dedication to providing world-class services and experiences for both residents and visitors, make the two cities exceptionally well poised to combine knowledge as well as resources to impact the economies and future of the cities."

"Tourism will undoubtedly be one of the industries that helps aid our local economy through the recovery of the recession, and we are working harder than ever to promote it," said George Fertitta. "Through this agreement between NYC & Company and Visit London we are declaring not only a commitment to driving travel between London and NYC but also a vow of the continued friendship between the two cities."

"Our two cities are arguably the most desirable travel destinations in the world and as well as being each other's biggest markets, New York City and London are each other's biggest supporters," said Sally Chatterjee. "We look forward to working with NYC & Company and welcoming many New Yorkers to our friendly shores."

Under the two year tourism agreement New York City will exchange 71 bus shelters with London that will run in New York City for 4 weeks per year. In return, London will exchange 250 posters for 4 weeks on the London Underground system twice per year, totaling 500 posters over 1 year. The yearly value of each city's media is $178,500. The agreement will be a 2 year deal - $357,000 to London and $357,000 back to NYC from London. Also as part of the agreement, NYC & Company and Visit London have agreed to share best practices in their endeavors to boost tourism, and to assist each other with at least one publicity stunt in their respective cities.

Last year New York City welcomed a record 1,328,000 visitors from the UK, surpassing the record 1,237,000 visitors in 2007, making it the City's number one source of international visitors. New York City is the number one destination for UK travelers to the US. Similarly, Americans made almost 2 million visits to London last year and America remains London's number one market for international visitors.