New York City is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Luisa Vélez is visiting the city for the first time and we asked her if it met her expectations.
“The city is much nicer, the architecture is very nice. We consider it very clean and the people have been very friendly,” says Vélez.
While wonderful, it’s not cheap to visit.
Gelsing Enamorado/Tourist
“Normally, for four days it cost us 3,600 for four full days.”
“We’re from Boston and the prices are much higher,” adds Luisa.
In an effort to attract more tourists and even get New Yorkers to consider a vacation here, the city is expanding an annual program.
Adriana Aristizabal, a spokeswoman for NYC & Company, tells us that other offering programs will also be running concurrently.
“This Winter Outing program or winter excursion is there, four super major discount programs in New York City come together.”
These discounts will be offered at Broadway shows, restaurants, attractions and hotels.
The campaign, which lasts six weeks from January, is back for its fourth edition and once again includes an initiative launched last year: Hotel Week.
More than 140 hotels will offer a 23% discount on standard room rates.
“Tourism in New York City creates jobs for our community. Tourism is a vital driver of, shall we say, part of the backbone of New York City’s economy,” Aristizabal continues.
Officials say about 85% of the record levels of tourism seen before the pandemic in 2019 have returned.
“Now by the end of 2022, New York City expects 56 million tourists,” adds the NYC and Company spokeswoman.
Visitors expect to spend money when they visit the Big Apple, but they say any discount is welcome.
Allison Bermúdez, is visiting the city and sees the program as positive:
“Yes, they really motivate people to keep coming here to visit.”
“Super good because a discount makes a lot of people want to come,” says Gelsing, another tourist.
The organizers say it will be worth it for anyone who takes advantage of the offers:
“This is the cheapest time of year in town.”
the hotel week it starts on January 3rd and the rest of the offers will launch from January 17th and last until February 12th.
