Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced that 12 million domestic and international visitors will travel to New York City from Memorial Day to Labor Day - a 4% increase over the same period in 2004.  NYC & Company's record-breaking summer tourism forecast puts the number of domestic visitors to the City at 10 million - a 3.5% increase from last summer.  The number of international visitors to New York City is expected to reach 1.2 million - an 8% increase from last season.  For the fifth consecutive year, Travel + Leisure magazine has named New York City the "World's Best American City," affirming New York's standing as an ideal tourist destination.   Joined by NYC & Company Chairman Jonathan M. Tisch and NYC & Company President and CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas, Mayor Bloomberg announced the projected increase in summer tourism at the South Street Seaport where Travel + Leisure magazine Editor-in-Chief Nancy Novogrod presented the Mayor with an award in honor of the City earning the distinction of "World's Best American City."  New York City will roll-out the red carpet for tourists and New Yorkers with an array of benefits and rewards for shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment, the Mayor also announced.  

"Tourism will continue to set new records this summer," said Mayor Bloomberg.  "To keep this industry strong we are launching Summer Breaks and The Third Night to offer visitors additional incentive to reap discounts all season long.  Tourism is an important industry that generates $24 billion a year in economic activity and supports nearly 300,000 jobs in all five boroughs.  Our City's world-class attractions, restaurants, shops and major events make the City the premier travel destination for visitors from every corner of the globe, and it is an honor that the readers of Travel + Leisure has embraced New York City, as the place to visit."

"It's a pleasure for us at Travel + Leisure to have our hometown recognized as the Number One city in the United States for the fifth year running," said Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Nancy Novogrod.  "And we know why our readers love it--the arts and culture scene, restaurants, hotels, vibrant new neighborhoods, and general quality of life have never been better.  So good work, New York!"

"The projected 2005 summer visitor numbers support New York City's position as a leadingdestination for international and domestic travelers," said NYC & Company Chairman Jonathan M. Tisch.  "Growth of tourism fuels the growth of our City, by generating jobs, increasing economic activity and creating new opportunities.  NYC Summer Breaks and The Third Night exemplify excellent collaboration among New York City's hotels, restaurants, theaters, museums and cultural attractions that will not only enhance the visitor experience but drive the local economy."

"We invite visitors to discover why New York City is one of the 'World's Best'," said NYC & Company President and CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas.  "Our NYC Summer Breaks and The Third Night programs make it easier for people to plan a trip to New York City, by offering them incredible savings on accommodation, activities, shopping and dining."

The Best American City

New York City was named "Best American City" for the fifth consecutive year in Travel + Leisure magazine's World's Best Awards 2005 readers' survey.   The distinction was earned partly because New York City features more hotels than any other City on Travel + Leisure's List of Top 100 Hotels in the Continental United States and Canada.  New York City hotels of notoriety include the St. Regis, Four Seasons Hotel, The Pierre, Ritz-Carlton at Central Park, Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park City, Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula New York and Trump International Hotel & Tower.

NYC Summer Breaks and The Third Night

Summer Breaks and The Third Night is the citywide summer travel promotions that allows visitors and New Yorkers the chance to enjoy the City while earning savings when they use their American Express® Card at nearly 300 hotels, restaurants, shops, tours and attractions, nightlife, museums, performing arts venues and more.   The savings and advantages of Summer Breaks and The Third Night extend through September 5, 2005.  

Summer Breaks offers special admission to popular cultural attractions like the Brooklyn Museum, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the Whitney Museum of American Art.  Additionally, there are special benefits offered for admission to Madame Tussauds New York, the New York Aquarium, Shearwater Sailing, Central Park Bicycle Tours & Rentals and Liberty Helicopters.  Also available are exclusive dining discounts with 15% off the total lunch or dinner bill offered at Arezzo Ristorante Bar, Beacon Restaurant, Metrazur, Riingo and Tao.

The Third Night program allows visitors paying with an American Express® Card the chance to enjoy a complimentary third night at a NYC & Company Signature Collection hotel through September 5, 2005.  Participating Signature Collection hotels include The Carlyle, Hotel Plaza Athéneé, St. Regis and the Trump International Hotel & Tower.

A complete listing of businesses participating in NYC Summer Breaks is available at http://www.nycvisit.com, or by phoning 1-800-NYC-GUIDE, and at Visitor Information Kiosks at City Hall Park at Broadway and Park Row, in Chinatown at the intersection of Canal, Baxter and Walker Streets, and in Harlem at the State Office Building Plaza at 163 West 125th Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.

Produced by NYC & Company, NYC Summer Breaks is presented by American Express and supported by American Airlines, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York State's official tourism organization, "I Love New York."