Borough prez, NYC & Company launch new tourism initiative

NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing and tourism organization, is spearheading a new initiative aimed at promoting Brooklyn to potential visitors from around the world.

Tourism Ready, announced by Borough President Eric Adams and NYC & Company last month, will include a working group of Brooklyn businesses and attractions that, guided by NYC & Company in the development of resources and strategies, will market themselves to tour operators who sell destinations to groups and travelers from across the globe.

“For years, NYC & Company has been making sure tourists know Brooklyn is worth their time and money – it’s where legends are made and dreams come true,” said Marty Markowitz, vice president of borough engagement and promotion at NYC & Company. “NYC & Company’s latest initiative is going to empower local businesses to make the most of tourism.”

Adams couldn’t agree more.

“Our borough is on the tip of every tourist’s tongue, from the Bronx to Beijing and all points in between. We must make sure that the popularity of the Brooklyn brand translates into prosperity for all Brooklynites,” said Adams. “I look forward to looking with NYC & Company to make sure every local business can be ‘Tourism Ready’ and benefit from the millions of people that travel to Brooklyn.”

According to NYC & Company’s latest research, tourism rates are climbing and tourism related jobs are climbing with them. Between 2012 and 2013, the number of people who visited Brooklyn increased by eight percent, to 14 million people, according to the research. Also in those years, spending by visitors in Brooklyn increased 10 percent and jobs supported by tourism increased by more than seven percent.

The upward climb in these numbers might have something to do with efforts to promote the borough, including those of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, the Chamber launched its tourism-focused website, Explore Brooklyn, to help boost visitation and spending in the borough.

“Explore Brooklyn has really transformed the way people visit and explore the borough,” said Carlo Scissura, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “Whether [visitors] are from out of the country, out of the state, New Yorkers, or even Brooklynites, all of the best places to eat, stay, shop and play in Brooklyn are now at your fingertips with ExploreBK.com. Just like the borough we call home, Explore BK continues to get better and better.”