New York’s tourism industry continues to recover, with projections to attract over 61.7 million visitors in 2023.
In 2022, the number was approximately 56.4 million travelers visiting all five boroughs – a 71.4% increase compared to 2021 (47.4 million domestic and 8.9 million international). This marks the return of 85% of the city’s record visitation in 2019.
To assist in this recovery, the government is promoting the NYC Winter Outing program until February 12, offering discounts on winter experiences across all five boroughs. This includes prix-fixe menus from NYC Restaurant Week at nearly 500 restaurants, 2-for-1 tickets to 22 shows during NYC Broadway Week, and 2-for-1 tickets to over 40 museums, attractions, tours, and performing arts for NYC Must-See Week. Also part of the Winter Outing, NYC Hotel Week is underway with a 23% discount on standard rates at over 140 hotels.
According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whether for a staycation, a date night, or a visit to our city, the NYC Winter Outing program has fantastic offers for everyone.
“By experiencing one of our world-famous restaurants during NYC Restaurant Week, catching one of our iconic Broadway shows during NYC Broadway Week, visiting one of the thousands of unique attractions during NYC Must-See Week, or staying at a hotel in the best city in the world during NYC Hotel Week, you are supporting the economic engine that keeps our city running while experiencing some of the best cultures and cuisines the world has to offer.”
New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Workforce, Maria Torres-Springer, states that NYC Winter Outing showcases an incredible variety of things to see, eat, and do each year across all five boroughs. “We invite visitors and New Yorkers to make the most of this exciting program in the coming weeks, support hundreds of businesses, and enjoy world-class offers in dining, entertainment, arts, culture, and much more throughout the city.”
Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company, said the program offers remarkable value across a wide range of popular experiences in all five boroughs, translating into additional sales for restaurants, attractions, theater, small businesses, and hotels during the slower winter period. “We invite the world to explore the best of New York this winter — enjoy world-class accommodations at a 23% discount; 2-for-1 tickets for Broadway, museums, attractions, performing arts, and tours; and discounted dining at local restaurants and establishments.”
Additionally, Charlie Flateman, Chair of the Board of NYC & Company and Executive Vice President of The Shubert Organization, expressed excitement about having NYC Broadway Week combined with NYC Restaurant Week and NYC Must-See Week. “Each year, these programs create the highest value period to enjoy many of the city’s iconic experiences, and we hope to inspire visitors and locals to explore the five boroughs with this great selection of offers.”
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment has partnered with NYC & Company for the second year to sponsor the NYC Winter Outing, supporting participation fees for businesses across all boroughs in response to the ongoing recovery of tourism in New York. “We are proud to partner with NYC & Company to present NYC Winter Outing 2023, celebrating NYC’s world-class entertainment and hospitality,” said Anne del Castillo, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “This program invites residents and tourists to experience the rich and diverse offerings that make NYC so exciting.”
This year’s program is supported in collaboration with transportation partners, including official partner United Airlines, as well as Amtrak, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and NJ TRANSIT.
“We are happy to expand our partnership with NYC & Company to support the promotion of this great program that allows people to experience the best that New York has to offer,” said Nick Depner, Regional Sales Director at United Airlines. “Between our hub in Newark/New York and LaGuardia Airport, we are a global gateway with many options for travelers choosing to fly to New York.”
Reservations Open for NYC Restaurant Week
NYC Restaurant Week will offer two-course lunches and three-course dinners prix-fixe for $30, $45, and $60 at nearly 500 restaurants across all five boroughs. Mastercard cardholders who pre-register here will receive a $10 statement credit when spending $45 or more per transaction (for up to 3 transactions, totaling a $30 refund) at participating NYC Restaurant Week restaurants, subject to the terms and restrictions of NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2023. A complete list of participating restaurants and reservations can be made at nycgo.com/restaurantweek.
Participating restaurants can be filtered on nycgo.com by options such as “location,” “cuisine,” “participating weeks,” “meals offered,” “accessibility,” “ownership,” and more. Customers can also select restaurants by themes with the help of various collections, including “Make It a Stella,” with Stella Artois, the official beer sponsor of NYC Restaurant Week Winter 2023; “James Beard Honorees”; “Wine Spectator Winners”; “NYC Restaurant Week Classics”; “Best of the Boroughs”; among others.
“New York is our home, and Mastercard is excited to partner with NYC & Company to help bring unique experiences to life that make our city so special for residents and visitors,” said Rustom Dastoor, EVP of Marketing and Communications, North America, Mastercard. “Whether it’s a passion for fine dining, live entertainment, or stays at iconic New York establishments, through NYC Winter Outing, we are connecting cardholders to Priceless experiences to start the new year with something memorable.”
2-for-1 Tickets for NYC Broadway Week on Sale
NYC Broadway Week will offer 2-for-1 tickets to 22 shows. New shows added for this year include & Juliet; A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond Musical; Between Riverside and Crazy; Collaboration; Hamilton; Kimberly Akimbo; Pictures from Home; Some Like It Hot; and Take Me Out. Returning shows in 2023 include Aladdin, Chicago, Funny Girl, Hadestown, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Leopoldstadt, MJ The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Six the Musical, The Book of Mormon, The Lion King, The Piano Lesson, and Wicked.
Tickets can be reserved at nycgo.com/broadwayweek. Participating Broadway shows can be filtered on nycgo.com by options such as “Comedy,” “Drama,” “Kid-Friendly,” “Musical,” “Play,” and “Tony Winner.”
2-for-1 Tickets for NYC Must-See Week on Sale
NYC Must-See Week will offer 2-for-1 tickets to over 40 museums, attractions, performing arts, and tours. This year’s participants include Carnegie Hall, Citi Field Tours, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Kings County Distillery, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York Botanical Garden, Summit One Vanderbilt, The Metropolitan Opera, and more.
Tickets can be reserved at nycgo.com/mustseeweek.
NYC Hotel Week Reservations Open and Redeemable
NYC Hotel Week offers a 23% discount on standard retail rates now through February 12 at over 140 hotels across all five boroughs. New hotels on offer for 2023 include Hard Rock Hotel New York and Le Méridien New York, Fifth Avenue. Returning properties include The Hoxton, Williamsburg; Lotte New York Palace; The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel; The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue; New York Marriott Marquis; The William Vale; The Opera House Hotel; The Rockaway Hotel; Hilton Garden Inn New York/Staten Island; and more.
Hotels can be reserved at nycgo.com/hotelweek.
VIVIANE FAVER
Journalist
vfaver@gmail.com