New York tourism marketing organisation NYC & Company will lead a 24-strong coalition to drive the city’s tourism, hospitality and culture sectors’ recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Coalition for NYC Hospitality & Tourism Recovery will focus on “messaging, marketing and promotion to restore New York City’s brand locally and beyond”.
It will be led by NYC & Company board chairman Charles Flateman and five co-chairs: Ellen Futter, president of the American Museum of Natural History; Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem; Danny Meyer, chief executive of the Union Square Hospitality Group; Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer, lyricist and actor; and Peter Ward, president of the New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council.
Flateman said: “New York City’s tourism, hospitality and cultural communities reflect our unmatched energy and optimism. New York City is also the world capital of coexistence. Even though we’ve had to create distance, with our world-famous toughness, immense heart and boundless compassion, New York will not stay down.
“As government leaders announce new social distancing guidelines, it is time to consider how we can begin to reopen our doors and safely reconnect with our city and with each other, and with the visitors who will one day again flock to New York.”
Fred Dixon, NYC & Company chief executive, added: “NYC & Company’s mission has always been to maximize travel and tourism throughout the city, build economic prosperity, and share the dynamism of New York City with the world.
“The coalition will do this with new energy and vision for a changed world. Together, when the time is right, we will help our businesses reopen and inspire New Yorkers and visitors alike to safely explore and interact with the five boroughs once more.”