NYC & Company Launches NYC Training Academy Targeting US-Based Travel Agents

NYC & COMPANY LAUNCHES NYC TRAINING ACADEMY TARGETING U.S.�BASED TRAVEL AGENTS

Seven Modules Will Educate Domestic Travel Agents on NYC's Five Boroughs and More; Agents Who Complete Program Will Be Deemed NYC Specialists

New York City (June 3, 2010) � NYC & Company, the City's marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today launched its NYC Training Academy program targeting US�based travel agents. The program, which consists of seven training modules each followed by a ten-question quiz, enables agents to become more familiarized with the City's neighborhoods, hotels, dining, nightlife, shopping, culture and attractions, and therefore better able to promote the destination. Upon successful completion, agents will become NYC Specialists and can use their expertise with their clients.

"We are excited to launch the NYC Training Academy to travel agents throughout the United States," said Fred Dixon, senior vice president of tourism and convention development for NYC & Company. "We believe the program will give the travel trade the knowledge they need to better sell the New York City destination and help us drive tourism to the five boroughs."

A synopsis of each module of the NYC Training Academy program follows:

Module 1: Welcome
Features information on transportation to and around the City as well as NYC basics such as its climate, essential City phone numbers, special service needs, tipping guidelines and Official NYC Information Centers.

Module 2: Neighborhoods
Reviews all five boroughs (the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island), the neighborhoods within each, along with highlights of sights, culture and attractions.

Module 3: Hotels
Provides the latest on traditional favorites, buzz-worthy boutiques, new-to-the scene offerings, airport hotels, budget accommodations and meeting hotels.

Module 4: Things to See and Do
A guide to the City�s must-see attractions throughout the five boroughs.

Module 5: Shopping
A primer on department stores, great neighborhood shopping, bargain shopping and shopping tours.

Module 6: Dining and Nightlife
An overview of fine dining establishments, celebrated chefs, iconic eats, global cuisine, nightlife (comedy, jazz, dancing, rock venues, karaoke).

Module 7: NYC Life
A guide to family-friendly activities, cultural NYC and the City�s vibrant gay community.

Travel agents must complete all seven modules of the program and pass a ten-question quiz after each module with an 80% success rate. Following the training, agents will receive a logo and certificate identifying them as NYC Specialists.

NYC Specialists traveling to the City can take advantage of bonus offers from the NYC & Company Trade Pass, which includes exclusive discounts to hotels, attractions, dining, museums, theater and more. Some bonus offers include complimentary breakfasts, free tours and 50% off discounts for accompanying guests of the travel agent.

The NYC Training Academy program can be accessed at nycgo.com/training.

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For more press inquiries please contact Chris Heywood at cheywood@nycgo.com.