New York City Opens Tourism Office in Canada

New York City Opens Tourism Office in Canada

City Businesses Prepare to Welcome Visitors and Couples with Special Offers and Promotions

New York, NY (November 19, 2007) NYC & Company, New York City�s official marketing and tourism organization, today announced the opening of a Canadian office that will serve the City�s second-largest international market. The new tourism office will be represented by Vision|Co. under the direction of Jordan Bitove and Charmaine Singh.

�The opening of a tourism marketing office in Canada comes at a pivotal time with the Canadian dollar hitting record highs against the US dollar,� said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. �With the economic advantages of traveling to New York City, we believe that there�s no better time than now to establish a more formal presence in this key market.�

Canada remains New York City�s second-largest international market. In 2006, the City welcomed 840,000 visitors and the forecast for 2007 is even higher, with a forecasted 880,000 total visitors. This momentum is intensifying: the loonie, the Canadian one-dollar coin, has recently risen above1.07USD, breaking through levels last seen in the 1950s.

Vision|Co. was established in 1998 and prides itself on creating customized brand experiences that represent its clients� brands, connecting them with their target audiences in innovative ways. Past projects have included Toronto�s bid for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games as well as assignments with global brands including FedEx, Coors/Molson, Mercedes-Benz, Warner Bros., Hugo Boss, Royal Bank of Canada and XM Satellite Radio.�We�re excited to represent New York City, one of the world�s most evocative brands,� said Jordan Bitove, president & CEO of Vision|Co. �We understand NYC & Company�s vision to promote the authentic neighborhoods of the five boroughs in a way that inspires increased Canadian travel to the City.�

NYC & Company�s representative office will be located at 99 Blue Jay Way, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 9G9. The telephone number is 416-341-9923. The office will provide tourism marketing and public relations services, working with the travel trade, airlines and the media to increase visitation to New York City.

The opening of the Canada office represents the ninth office that NYC & Company has opened this year, bringing the total to 16 international offices. NYC & Company???s international expansion is all part of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg�s goal of attracting 50 million visitors by 2015.

About NYC & CompanyNYC & 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.

Contacts
Kimberly Spell
NYC & Company
tel 212 484 1270
kspell@nycgo.com
Chris Heywood
NYC & Company
tel 212 484 5458
cheywood@nycgo.com