Livingstone shows New York unity

Livingstone shows New York unity

Livingstone: hoping to restore confidence in transatlantic travel with Big Apple visit

LONDON Mayor Ken Livingstone is flying to New York early next year in a show of unity with the stricken city and to discuss ways of restoring confidence in transatlantic travel.

Livingstone described London and New York as being “like sisters”. He added: ” Nowhere in the world is there a relationship between two cities like London and New York. There is a unique bond.”

The mayor has written to his New York counterpart Rudolph Giuliani expressing his horror at Monday’s American Airlines tragedy and pledging to visit Ground Zero in the new year.

“I intend to visit New York as part of a trade event to restore confidence in the industry,” he said.

However, Livingstone said it was vital for London’s tourism industry to target domestic travellers following the downturn in the US market.

To boost domestic tourism, Livingstone has pledged £500,000 to offer cut-price theatre and restaurant packages. The London Tourist Board is also to receive £500,000 – originally allocated for promotion overseas – to launch a UK campaign.

Livingstone added: “Some companies have seen a 50% drop in sales and that gap must be filled.”