Chinese School - NYC sets up tourism representation in Shanghai

?  ?

BIZCHINA / Overseas Investment

NYC sets up tourism representation in Shanghai

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-06-28 16:10

NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for the
City of New York, on Wednesday announced the establishment of a tourism
representation in Shanghai, eastern China.

The announcement marks the latest step in NYC & Company's plan to build a
global network and boost international travel to the Big Apple.

"It's a privilege to represent New York City today and to mark this
important moment for our travel and tourism industry," said George
Fertitta,CEOof NYC & Company, at a press conference held in Shanghai
Wednesday.

Related readings:
?Ministers ink tourism pact
?Personal tour consumption value to hit US$118b in 2007
?Accor to expand China footprint
?US targets China as next tourism ticket
?China to become 3rd biggest travel destination

"As financial, commercial and media centers, New York City and Shanghai
have many common interests. And as professionals continue to travel to
New York for business, they will find a dynamic, thriving city."

The high volume of Chinese business travel to New York City, coupled with
residents' increased interest in tourism opportunities, makes China among
the most important targets in New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's
campaign to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2015.

NYC & Company now has representative offices in 19 countries. A new
location in Tokyo, Japan, opened on June 26, and a launch for Seoul,
South Korea, will take place on July 2.

Although the United States has not approved destinations status (ADS),
travelers from China may come with work visas that include permission to
bring family members. These visits generally last 10 to 15 days and
include stays in multiple cities.

This new wave of travelers has already affected the tourism industry
across the United States and in New York City in particular.

Travelers from China to New York City have been on the rise for some
time, jumping sharply from 59,000 visitors in 2002 to 133,000 in 2005 and
an estimated 165,000 visitors will visit the city in 2007.

"There is no better time for Chinese travelers to visit New York City,"
said Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman of the NYC & Company board.

"It continues to be a dynamic and multicultural destination that offers
visitors exciting things to do from designer shopping and dining out to
sightseeing at landmark attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Times
Square," he said.

New York City offers some of the top designer shopping experiences
worldwide, from luxury boutiques on the streets of SoHo to flagship
stores such as Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue. Popular sightseeing
attractions include the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and
Metropolitan Museum of Art.

(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)

Learn Chinese, Chinese Online Class