3/13/2013
By Ivan Pereira
The city’s tourism wing kicked off a new initiative Wednesday that points foreign visitors to the outer boroughs — specifically Brooklyn.
NYC & Company will promote the best businesses, establishments and historical spots in Bushwick, Fort Greene and Williamsburg as parts of its “Neighborhood x Neighborhood” program.
Mayor Michael Bloom-berg introduced the program last month as a way for all five boroughs to benefit from the millions of dollars in revenue that tourists bring in.
“Our neighborhoods are what make New York City unique, and visitors who explore the boroughs beyond the beaten path are sure to be rewarded with unforgettable, only-in-New-York experiences,” he said in a statement.
Some of the locations that the city touts in its online, print and advertising campaign include: the Shops at the Loom in Bushwick, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Fort Greene Park, and La Superior, the popular Williamsburg Mexican restaurant.
Several Brooklyn leaders said they were elated that the city is putting the spotlight in their corner.
“The allure of New York City extends past the well-trodden tourist spots like Times Square. It lives and breathes in our local shops, restaurants, and art spaces,” Councilwoman Diana Reyna, who represents Williamsburg, said in a statement.
Other city spots that will be part of “Neighborhood x Neighborhood” include Forest Hills, Washington Heights and Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.
Last year, a record 52 million tourists came to New York City and generated tens of billions of dollars in economic impact.
NYC & Company introduced the “Neighborhood x Neighborhood” program to the world’s biggest travel companies at an expo in Germany last week and expects a huge response from European visitors.
