NYC & Company Encourages New Yorkers Who Are Working More and Vacationing Less to Go Local

NYC & COMPANY ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS WHO ARE WORKING MORE AND VACATIONING LESS TO �GO LOCAL�

With Fewer Vacation Days Than Any Other Nation, NYC & Company Recommends New Yorkers Use Their Summer Weekends to Explore One of the World�s Top Travel Destinations�Weekend of August 22: Highlights Across the Five Boroughs Include James Blake Shares the Good, Summer Streets and Yoga in the Park�

New York City (August 20, 2008) NYC & Company, New York City�s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, today recognized the reputation that New York City residents have for working some of the nation�s longest hours, and called on New Yorkers to make the most of their valuable time off during the summer months and to �Go Local� and discover and all that the City destination has to offer. The number of vacation days American�s receive (on average just nine days a year) falls significantly below the world average, and unlike all other industrialized countries, U.S vacation days are at the discretion of employers and are not obligatory which is the norm throughout the rest of the world, including countries such as France where 30 paid vacation days is mandatory. Acknowledging the importance of taking time to relax and the benefits of vacations in improving health, relationships, educational opportunities, cultural and historical awareness as well as worker productivity, NYC & Company today urged New Yorkers to take advantage of their weekends and �Summer Fridays� by exploring their own backyard, one of the world�s top travel destinations.

�New York City is a major hub for many industries from fashion and media to finance and technology, many of which operate around the clock, and there is no doubt that New Yorkers have a reputation for working beyond standard business hours,� said George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company. �With this is mind, we are encouraging residents who work hard throughout the week to open their eyes to all of the relaxing activities they still have time to enjoy this summer, from the beaches, parks, pools and rooftops to shopping, dining, entertainment and arts and cultural offerings throughout the five boroughs, which offer an abundance of ways to wind down.�

Helping New Yorkers to easily navigate the City this summer, NYC & Company�s �Go Local� campaign, encourages residents to explore the City via weekly itineraries on the top activities taking place across the five boroughs. Additional campaign elements designed to encourage local residents to discover the City this summer include print advertising and commercials on New York City taxi cab monitors, up-to-the-minute online information at nycvisit.com/golocal, branded �Go Local� promotional materials including beach balls and frisbees distributed at various locations across the City, and street teams armed with weekly five borough itineraries, �Go Local� stickers and temporary tattoos, deployed at nine locations throughout the City including Grand Central Terminal, Union Square and the Bedford Avenue subway stop in Brooklyn.

This week�s top highlight: Taking place on Friday, August 22 at the World Financial Center Plaza in advance of the US Open James Blake Shares the Good is a unique charity event where New Yorkers over 21 can practice their serve for free with tennis star James Blake, as well as a 6-ft tall ball machine shaped like a Heineken Premium Light DraughtKeg for the chance to win prizes including US Open tickets. Beginning at 11am-3pm, the event hosted by James Blake and Heineken Premium Light will also feature beer sampling and tennis tips from the Metro Tennis Association.

Additional highlights throughout the five boroughs are as follows:

Manhattan

On Saturday, August 23 from 7am�1pm, Summer Streets will allow New Yorkers to enjoy Park Avenue and connecting streets from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park temporarily closed to motor vehicles and opened up to pedestrians to bike, jog or stroll at their leisure. Further relaxation can be found from 3pm on Saturday, August 23 at the free Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in Harlem�s Marcus Garvey Park where some of the finest musicians in the world gather annually to celebrate and reflect Parker�s musical individuality in neighborhoods where Charlie Parker lived and worked.

Brooklyn

Yoga in the Park is New York City�s largest free yoga practice held at Mccarren Park Pool. From 10am-noon on Saturday, August 23, yoga enthusiasts can learn everything from Hatha to Vinyasa, followed by meditation, chanting, and lectures that will continue on until late afternoon. New Yorkers looking to call off from the summer heat should visit Red Hook Pool before all of the City�s outdoor pools close on September 1.

Queens

Weekly through September 27 from noon-3pm Saturday Sculpture Workshops at Socrates Sculpture Parkoffer fun for all ages, and as well as a learning tool provide a great way to de-stress. On Sunday, August 24, the free Hot Jazz/Cool Garden concert at the Louis Armstrong House Museum from 1pm-3pm takes place in the museum�s idyllic Japanese garden, perfect for unwinding.

Staten Island

Dog lovers should not miss the free Agility Trail Dog Show on Saturday, August
23, from 7am
� 7pm where

dogs handlers will run their dogs through agility courses, and dog-related material, such as treats, leashes, and toys will be available to purchase. Fishing at the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier allows the chance to catch striped bass, weakfish and bluefish as well as enjoyment of the beach area and observation of the shoreline, wildlife and scenery.

The Bronx

At Canela Salon & Spa visitors are guaranteed to leave feeling relaxed and revitalized with a variety of treatments including a seaweed wrap or the Melting Muscle Massage. Outdoors, the Floating Pool Lady situated in Barretto Point Park is a unique public pool with a calming view of New York City's waterfront.

For more information about staying in NYC this summer go to: nycgo.com

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
Emma Thomas
NYC & Company
tel 212 484 1270
ethomas@nycgo.com