NYC & Company Kicks Off 2nd Summer Of Go Local Campaign To Encourage New Yorkers To Vacation In NY

NYC & COMPANY KICKS OFF SECOND SUMMER OF �GO LOCAL� CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE NEW YORKERS TO VACATION IN THE CITY

�Campaign Highlights Free and Low-Cost Activities Throughout the City This Summer�

�Weekend of July 18 Features �On the Water� Events�

New York City (July 15, 2009)� NYC & Company, New York City�s marketing, tourism and partnership organization, is kicking off the second summer season of its �Go Local� campaign. In response to the current recessionary times, the eight-week initiative encourages New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs to rediscover their hometown and take advantage of all of the low-cost seasonal activities and events taking place throughout the City this summer. Designed to encourage NYC residents to explore their own backyard, the program is also geared towards supporting local businesses and providing a vital boost to the City�s economy.

�We are proud to relaunch our �Go Local� campaign,� which highlights the vibrancy, diversity and exceptional value New York City offers all summer long,� said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. �By providing New Yorkers with current, in-depth coverage on what is happening in the City, we aim to motivate residents to discover more of the City�s five boroughs.�

According to NYC & Company estimates, for every 1,000 New Yorkers - including children - who �go local�, the City could see an additional $1.4 million in spending. Throughout the rest of the summer months, NYC & Company will provide weekly highlights, tips and suggestions via Twitter feeds and on the City�s official tourism website, www.nycgo.com.

Often overlooked, New York City�s waterfronts offer an abundance of nautical adventures. From ferries to paddle boats, schooners to cabin cruisers, this week�s �Go Local� highlights some of the City�s best water activities for the weekend of July 18.

Week of July 18 Water Activities:

The Downtown Boathouse (www.downtownboathouse.org) offers free kayaking on the Hudson River almost everyday in July and August from alternating locations � Piers 96 and 40, and their 72nd Street dock. Equipment, trips and lessons are provided by the all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing everyone complimentary use and access to the river.

Classic Harbor Line (www.sail-nyc.com) lets patrons experience the New York City skyline, landmarks and infrastructure as they set sail at various times of the day � afternoon, sunset and evening. Beverages are included with tickets, which start at $40, and picnicked meals are welcome onboard.

The NYC Duck (www.grayline.com) is the City's only land-and-water vehicle that showcases New York City from multiple routes. Half-boat and half-bus, the carrier has recently been re-designed to resemble Henry Hudson�s famous ship, The Half Moon, in honor of the Hudson River�s 400th Anniversary.

For more information on this week�s featured activities visit www.nycgo.com/golocal. To find NYC & Company on Twitter go to twitter.com/nycgo.

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. For more information on the NYC destination, visit the City�s official tourism Web site, nycgo.com, or stop by the Official NYC Information Center at 810 Seventh Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

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