NYC & Company Encourages New Yorkers Looking To Vacation This Summer To Stay Home And "Go Local"

7/22/09

NYC & COMPANY ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS LOOKING TO VACATION THIS SUMMER TO STAY HOME AND "GO LOCAL"



�This Weekend, Bring the Indoors Outdoors�



New York City (July 22, 2009)�NYC & Company, New York City�s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today announced its lineup of "Go Local" events for the weekend of July 24. The Go Local initiative targets residents of New York City, encouraging them to take advantage of the world-class�but often overlooked�city right in their own backyard. Amid the continuing economic recession that has left them with less discretionary income at their disposal for leisure travel, residents of New York City are discovering the benefits of living in one of the most coveted destinations in the world. This summer is the perfect time for residents to plan an excursion to another borough or neighborhood. Information on the Go Local campaign is available at nycgo.com/golocal.



�The vibrancy, energy and excitement of New York City drew 47 million visitors last year, yet our own residents often overlook the City�s abundance of activities and recreational opportunities right here in their own backyard,� said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. �The goal of our Go Local initiative is to remind those who reside in the City to get out and explore the five boroughs with their families and friends and enjoy the unique experiences that our city has to offer.�



New York City expects 12 million visitors this summer, on par with the same period in 2008. Hotel occupancy rates remain stronger than those of the rest of the nation, with a projected occupancy rate of 84.4% in June.



This week�s Go Local highlights:



Yoga at the Bronx�s Wave Hill
Revitalize your sense of well-being and decrease your stress this weekend by participating in an outdoor yoga class overlooking 28 beautiful acres of gardens on the bluffs of the Hudson River. Wave Hill in the Bronx offers outdoor yoga classes on Sundays at 9:30am (weather permitting). Participants should bring a mat along with a desire to get in touch with their inner selves while taking in one of NYC�s most beautiful hidden treasures. (wavehill.org)



Art on the Rooftop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
For a combination of modern art, fresh air and a priceless view, residents will want to check out Maelstrom, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's latest rooftop exhibit. This stunning work of stainless steel, created by American sculptor Roxy Paine, was inspired by systems such as vascular networks, tree roots, industrial piping and fungal mycelia. It�s a masterful work in itself, but seeing it framed by the beautiful panoramic view of Central Park makes it all the more worth a visit. (metmuseum.org)



Films Under the Stars
Just the thing for the little ones�and kids at heart�RiverFlicks for Kids transforms Pier 46 in Hudson River Park into an outdoor theater on Fridays throughout the summer. This Friday night, New Yorkers will be able to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ghostbusters by reliving the comedy classic starring Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. NYC & Company recommends arriving before 8pm to claim your spot for the 8:30pm show. Popcorn is free. (hudsonriverpark.org)



Offering a less mainstream approach to outdoor cinema, Rooftop Films is one of the City�s premier outdoor outlets for independent shorts and features. This Saturday, head to the roof of the Old American Can Factory in Gowanus for the odd and awkwardly comical feature Stay the Same Never Change, directed by video artist Laurel Nakadate. (For an idea of what Nakadate�s work is about, check out her latest exhibition, the sexy Fever Dreams at the Crystal Motel, at the Leslie Tonkonow Gallery until July 24.) The evening begins at 6pm with a live performance by Michael Gira. After the film, which starts at 8pm, make sure to stay for the free sangria reception, hosted by Carlo Rossi. Tickets start at $9. (rooftopfilms.com)



For more information about staying in NYC this summer, visit nycgo.com/golocal.



About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.



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