Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS NYC & COMPANY
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION GALA

"I would like to thank NYC & Company and its members for contributing to the renaissance of New York City and their commitment to encouraging the whole world to witness this renaissance firsthand," Mayor Giuliani said. "One of the most striking indications of our City's resurgence is the fact that the number of visitors to New York City has increased from 22 million in 1991 to a projected 39 million in 2001. Thanks in part to the hard work of NYC & Company and its members, New York City is the number one place to visit and do business in the United States, and continues to be the number one destination for foreign tourists."

"On the eve of the summer tourism season, NYC & Company is pleased to celebrate National Tourism Week," NYC & Company President and CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas said. "Tourism accounts for close to 277,000 jobs in New York City, while generating approximately $25 billion dollars in total economic activity and $865 million in tax revenue annually. We are pleased that the Mayor has been such a staunch supporter of this extremely important industry."

At the reception, the Mayor presented a proclamation to Cristyne L. Nicholas, declaring May 6-12, 2001 to be "Tourism Week" in New York City. National Tourism Week is celebrated during the first full week in May each year by thousands of communities across the country to promote travel and tourism as a major U.S. industry that is vital to our nation's economic growth.

NYC & Company is the City's official tourism marketing agency. It is a private, non-profit organization with the principal responsibility of enhancing New York City's economy through tourism development by marketing the City on a worldwide basis as the premier destination for business and leisure travelers.