Remembering the past

THE Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust today announced plans to present the most comprehensive Holocaust exhibition about Auschwitz ever exhibited in North America. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. is produced in partnership with the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland and the international exhibition firm Musealia. The groundbreaking exhibition will open in New York City on May 8, 2019 and run through January 3, 2020.

The exhibition's opening on May 8 marks the anniversary of VE Day or Victory in Europe Day, 1945, when the Allies celebrated Nazi Germany's surrender of its armed forces and the end of World War II.

One of the most visited exhibitions in Europe last year. The exhibition explores the dual identity of the camp as a physical location—the largest documented mass murder site in human history—and as a symbol of the borderless manifestation of hatred and human barbarity.

Featuring more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs, the New York presentation of the exhibition will allow visitors to experience artifacts from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum on view for the first time in the North America, including hundreds of personal items—such as suitcases, eyeglasses, and shoes—that belonged to survivors and victims of Auschwitz. 

Other artifacts include concrete posts that were part of the fence of the Auschwitz camp; fragments of an original barrack for prisoners from the Auschwitz III-Monowitz camp; a desk and other possessions of the first and the longest serving Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss; a gas mask used by the SS; Picasso's Lithograph of Prisoner; and an original German-made Model 2 freight wagon used for the deportation of Jews to the ghettos and extermination camps in occupied Poland.

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Where will you be ringing in the New Year?

TOKYO, Paris and New York City are the top destinations to ring in 2019 according to Agoda, one of the world's fastest growing online travel agents (OTA), with more than a third more people opting to getaway to celebrate on New Year's Eve.

A top ten destination for many markets globally and number one for Chinese and Singaporean travelers, Tokyo's appeal continues with a jam-packed itinerary of concerts, parades and light shows making it the perfect destination to cast off the old and welcome in the #NewYear.

It's no wonder Paris, boasting endless themed parties, New Year countdowns at popular landmarks and shows for the whole family, has secured the top spot for travel in Europe. The "City of Love" is a top ten for their British neighbors as well as travelers from Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The ball drop at Times Square in New York City is one of the most iconic and star-driven celebrations of New Year's Eve in the world, so it comes as no surprise that New York City is the top North American destination for travelers globally and number two for Americans traveling domestically.


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Thanksgiving Destinations For Americans

MORE Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving than ever, according to Allianz Global Assistance's Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index, which saw an eight percent increase in travelers from 2017. For the fourth year running, New York City and Cancun are Americans' preferred domestic and international Thanksgiving destinations, respectively.

While travel to Cancun is down from last year (8.7 percent), it still tops the international destinations list, and Mexico as a country claims four spots total: San Jose Del Cabo at number five, Puerto Vallarta at nine and Mexico City at ten. The other Top 10 destinations in order of popularity are: London, Paris, San Juan, Montego Bay, Nassau and Punta Cana.

The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, November 21) is the busiest departure day according to Allianz's index, and Sunday, November 25 is the busiest return date.


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Air Travel News & Views

STRONG growth in passenger volume at Ontario International Airport (ONT) continued in September as the number of air travelers who passed through the airport rose 14%, while passenger numbers increased more than 13% in the first nine months of the year.

JetBlue launched nonstop service to New York City in early September. A month earlier, Frontier Airlines began daily service to Florida. Last week, Delta Air Lines announced it will add nonstop service to its Atlanta hub in the spring. Meanwhile, the completion of multi-million dollar upgrades of the airport's dining and retail concessions has brought new, popular amenities to ONT passengers.



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On the catwalk . . .

ONE of the largest travel e-commerce companies in the world, Booking.com and New York-based contemporary fashion brand alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet have partnered to showcase the emotional and cultural touchpoints that travel inspires through Bendet's Spring 2019 collection at New York Fashion Week. 

For the very first time, Booking.com is offering travelers the incredible chance to book a stay at an iconic property serving as the stage for alice + olivia's show, the Fashion Yacht at Chelsea Piers in New York City, complete with shopping sprees for the ultimate fashion week experience.

Anyone interested in taking this fashion journey must be quick as only a few select nights are available for booking. Everyday at at 5:00 p.m. EST on September 5th, 6th and 7th, Booking.com will release a one-night stay aboard the Wonderland Fashion Yacht for September 11th, 12th and 13th respectively.

www.booking.com/hotel/us/alice-olivia-fashion-yacht.html.


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Taste your way around NYC

WITH the intense demand in recent years from visitors for food tasting and food truck tours, Shop Gotham, a 14 year old specialty tour operator in NYC offering various programs including Guided and Self Directed Shopping Tours throughout the city, knew the time was right to offer this to independent minded travelers.

The itinerary guides guests through the 4 adjacent neighborhoods of Little Italy, Chinatown, NoLita and SoHo for 8 Food tastings and an optional cocktail spot. The objective is small tastes at a variety of worthwhile places, all the while seeing and learning a bit about these neighborhoods. The Itinerary provides addresses, clear walking directions, suggested items to sample, prices, a photo of each restaurant for easy navigation and a few landmarks to see while walking.

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Celebrate Independence Day at the Empire State Building

THIS Independence Day, celebrate the holiday with friends and family at the Empire State Building's "Ultimate 4th of July" celebration. Limited tickets are still available for this exclusive event which offers breathtaking views of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from the only open-air Observatory over one thousand feet above New York City – putting you at the center of all the action.

Closed to the general public, ticket holders are provided VIP private access to the 86th floor Observatory with prime viewing of the East River from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Guests are also invited to enjoy the 80th floor "Dare to Dream" exhibit where drinks flow from a premium open bar and gourmet food will be provided by STATE Grill and Bar, the signature restaurant of the Empire State Building. Following the fireworks, attendees will be invited to visit the 102nd floor Observatory to cap off their breathtaking evening.


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Hop-on Hop-off in the North Fork

SPENDING a weekend on the North Fork is about to get easier, thanks to a new initiative from The North Fork Promotion Council. Beginning Saturday, July 7th, the North Fork Link, a fleet of luxury vans, will take riders around the region, saving them the hassle of driving while helping to alleviate summertime traffic.

Visitors from Long Island and New York City can arrive to Riverhead and points further east to Greenport via the Long Island Railroad or public and private bus services to connect with "The Link." The hop-on, hop-off service will allow riders to enjoy the wineries, breweries, restaurants, shops, art galleries and various points of interest at their own pace without worrying about driving or parking.

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Micro stay?

MICRO-hotel pioneer The Pod Hotels has announced that its 45 "Pod Pads" are now available to book. The micro-apartments are located on the top floors of Pod Times Square, the brand's new flagship property located on the corner of 42nd street and 9th Avenue. 

The Pod Hotels' Pod Pads are living suites varying from 600-800 square feet, designed for those interested in extended-stay options

Pod Times Square is the fifth asset in the Pod Hotel collection following the great success of Pod 51 and Pod 39; Pod BK, the first property in an outer-borough; and Pod DC, the first property outside of New York City.

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Fancy a cuppa?

AS temperatures dip in New York City, travelers and locals alike can traverse the City streets in search of a steaming cup of tea to counteract the frigid blast. Try one of these hotels, traditional high tea parlors, specialty leaf purveyors, and modern venues for the ideal cuppa.

The Plaza Hotel and the Downton Abbey Exhibition have a new tea collaboration in NYC, being served in the Palm Court while afternoon tea at the Lowell Hotel is steeped in elegance and rooted in ritual. Firmdale Hotels’ the Crosby Street Hotel and the Whitby Hotel offer afternoon tea with gluten free, sugar free and Vegan options, ideal for travelers with dietary restrictions. Two E, at The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, offers legendary traditional afternoon tea service, paired with scones and petit fours baked fresh in-house each morning.

Chic décor and exclusivity meet at Lady Mendl’s Tea Parlour (which can be discovered thanks to a teacup-engraved plaque on the brownstone's façade) while Tea and Sympathy NYC serves up British comfort food and traditional high tea. McNulty’s Tea & Coffee Co. Inc has offered locals and visitors alike a taste of specialty tea in Greenwich Village since 1895.

For visitors seeking colorful whimsy and fantasy-inspiration Alice’s Tea Cup Chapters I, II and III are can’t-miss! Cha Cha Matcha is an Instagram-darling’s delight, with vibrant neon signage and the matcha to match the hype.

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Take a ride in NYC

NEW York City offers carousels in all five boroughs—each with a different spin on the ride. From the aquatic-themed SeaGlass Carousel at Battery Park, to the Bug Carousel at the Bronx Zoo, endless family fun awaits this fall in NYC.

BROOKYLN 

Jane’s Carousel; Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO: No child’s visit to DUMBO would be complete without a visit to Jane’s Carousel, in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This 1922 merry-go-round was moved from Ohio, painstakingly restored and added to the neighborhood landscape in 2011. Its 48 horses prance near the East River year-round, protected from the elements by a jewel-box structure designed by architect Jean Nouvel. Rides are just US$2. – 

Prospect Park Carousel; Prospect Park: This carousel has resided in Prospect Park since 1952, after being hand-carved in 1912, and first assembled in Coney Island. Riders can choose from 53 different horses, as well as a lion, a giraffe, a deer and a dragon-pulled chariot—each crafted with expressive faces and detailed bodies. One of the world’s only wheelchair-accessible carousels, it can also be rented out for birthday parties. – 

B&B Carousell; Luna Park; Coney Island: First built in 1906 and a fixture of Brooklyn amusement park culture dating to the 1930s, the B&B Carousell has the power to transport riders back to simpler times. Painstakingly restored to its original charm and beauty as the last of the great Coney Island carousels, this magical amusement is the centerpiece of the Steeplechase Plaza and a signature ride at Luna Park. 

BRONX

Bug Carousel; Bronx Zoo: Our favorite insects are all here — a long-legged praying mantis, a bright green grasshopper, even a dung beetle. A spin on the carousel is a great stop in the middle of the park. Open year-round. 

MANHATTAN 

Friedsam Memorial Carousel; Central Park, Midtown: Located in the center of Central Park, near 64th Street, this famous, historic carousel is ridden by nearly 250,000 people each year. The current ride, which features more than 57 horses, is actually the fourth carousel to inhabit the space, since the first one (which was powered by a real horse!) was retired in 1924 and the next two were destroyed by fires. Created by Brooklyn’s own firm Stein & Goldstein in 1908, the current carousel is a favorite for birthday parties and special children’s events. – 

Le Carrousel; Bryant Park, Midtown: Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, specially created to complement the park’s French classical style, is a homage to both European and American carousel traditions. Its 14 delightful animals, replicas of classical carousel creatures, revolve to the sounds of French cabaret music. The rounding boards, inspired by Bryant Park’s elegant barouque-stylet orchères along 40th Street, blend into the leafy canopy of the park’s London Plane trees. 

Pier 62 Carousel; Hudson River Park, Chelsea: Take a ride on Hudson River Park’s custom-designed Hudson River Animals carousel. This signature 36 ft carousel has been created using 33 hand-carved wood figures of Hudson River Valley animals and one chariot, allowing for up to 36 passengers, per ride. The carousel building has been designed with a green roof and opens out to a large sprawling lawn and tree-lined pathways. 

SeaGlass Carousel; Battery Park, The Battery: This new addition to The Battery Conservancy aims to entertain, inspire and educate adults and children alike. Built to recall 1896, when the Battery was home to the famous, since-closed New York Aquarium at the Castle, the carousel will showcase magical sea and fish creatures that are also available for sponsorship. Sixty SmartGlass panels will transform the carousel’s walls from clear to blue, simulating a realistic trip to the ocean’s floor. 

QUEENS 

Forest Park Carousel; Forest Park: Nestled within the 544 acres of Forest Park is the crown jewel of Queens: The Forest Park Carousel. Carved in 1903 by Daniel Carl Muller, it is a rare work of art and has been an anchor of the park since 1973. 

Flushing Meadows Carousel; Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Anchored by the historic Flushing Meadows Carousel, our park features an incredible mix of rides and attractions for kids of all ages. 

STATEN ISLAND 

The Carousel for All Children; Willowbrook Park: The Carousel For All Children in Willowbrook Park is a turn-of-the-century Victorian style merry-go-round that opened in 1999. The carousel boasts 51 carved wooden figures of mythical beasts, endangered species and traditional carousel horses. It also showcases twenty hand-painted renderings of Staten Island landmarks, past and present. The Carousel For All Children is maintained by the Greenbelt Conservancy.

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Thanksgiving to New Year in New York City

THE holiday season in New York City begins with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in November and continues with the iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center. Enjoy the unforgettable department store windows and artisan markets, plus attractions and events. The season concludes by welcoming in the New Year with lesser-known fireworks at Prospect Park in Brooklyn and, of course, the unforgettable New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square.

While there to experience Midtown holiday classics, it’s also an ideal opportunity to see what’s new. Midtown NYC showcases the “new” NYC. This holiday season, it is the heart of energy and development in Manhattan.

*  Gulliver’s Gate, housed in the former New York Times building on West 44th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, features over 300 miniature buildings and models of iconic global landmarks. A full city block wide, the attraction is a technologically advanced, interactive and immersive world that ignites the imagination of visitors young and old (gulliversgate.com).

*  Opening October 6, National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey is a never-before-seen immersive experience in Times Square (West 44th Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) that uses ground-breaking technology to transport guests on an incredible underwater journey across the Pacific Ocean (natgeoencounter.com).

*  Beginning in November, NFL Experience Times Square, a new attraction on the corner of 47th Street and Seventh Avenue, immerses visitors in the physical challenges of professional NFL athletes. Visitors enter as a fan, become a player and leave a champion on this hero’s journey (nflexperience.com).

*  New Broadway musicals will entertain guests over the holiday season. Visitors can see all current and upcoming shows at nycgo.com/broadway. Highlights include SpongeBob, sure to be a hit with families and nostalgic millennials alike, and The Band’s Visit, an artistic new work starring Tony Shalhoub, among others (spongebobbroadway.com, thebandsvisitmusical.com).

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Invitational Campaign Encourages Travel for WorldPride 2019

NEW YORK City’s official destination marketing organization, has joined with Heritage of Pride, organizers of #NYC Pride, to formally announce the two-year countdown to WorldPride 2019. 

Set to take place in #NewYorkCity in June 2019, the global celebration of Pride will coincide with the historic 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots—the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement—making it a year to underscore New York City’s progress and resilience as a global #LGBTQ capital. 

The announcement was made as New York City’s 2017 Pride celebrations are currently underway this week. A new invitational campaign, titled “One World, One Pride, One New York City – Unite in 2019” launched yesterday in New York City, with additional promotion and activations taking place in Madrid during the upcoming WorldPride celebrations there June 23–July 2.

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Fifth Avenue not just for shopping

EACH year on #Easter, falling on Sunday, April 16 this year, celebrants don festive attire and show off their very best bonnets along Fifth Avenue at the Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival. 

Immortalized by Irving Berlin (with some help from Judy Garland and Fred Astaire), the pageant is a #NewYork City tradition that stretches back to the 1870s. 

Starting at 10am and continuing until 4pm, the #parade marches north on Fifth Avenue, from 49th Street to 57th Street. The best place to watch is from the area around St. Patrick's Cathedral; better yet, bring your bonnet and join the parade.

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Enjoy New York City for less in January & February

VISITORS to #NewYork City in January and February be able to experience picturesque snowfalls as well as rare moments such as shorter lines at museums, easier-to-book restaurant reservations and other conveniences unique to the cold-weather months. 

Winter 2017 will also be the most affordable value period ever for travellers, with deals on dining, attractions and live theater, and hotels offering their lowest room rates of the year.

“Winter is one of the most attractive and value-oriented times of the year to visit New York City, with unique and magical experiences across all five boroughs,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “New shopping destinations, iconic attractions, world-class dining and live theater promise to energize visitors and locals alike.”

Each of the City’s five boroughs is a unique destination in itself, where free and affordable hidden gems and one-of-a-kind winter experiences await. Itineraries that feature indoor and outdoor activities by borough—all easily accessible by the City’s affordable 24-hour subway system with additional events and activities listed in NYC & Company’s new Winter Guide at nycgo.com/winter

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Total NYC Visitors Surpasses 60 Million for the first time

IN a recent announcement by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and #NYC & Company New York City will welcome an all-time record 60.3 million visitors by year’s end, surpassing the 60 million visitor milestone for the first time ever, and representing the seventh consecutive year of travel and tourism growth for the City.

The new figure is 600,000 visitors higher than the original forecast of 59.7 million announced earlier this year, and 1.8 million more visitors than last year’s revised year-end figure of 58.5 million. Travel and tourism now sustains more than 375,000 jobs in New York City, representing a gain of 15,000 jobs over the last year.

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Shop till you drop

#USA holiday specialist My America Holiday is offering a 3 night stay in a four star hotel in #NewYork City over the shopping phenomenon known as #BlackFriday.

Staying at the four-star W Hotel New York for just £635 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing on a room-only basis, with direct Virgin Atlantic Flights departing from London Heathrow on 23rd November 2016.

Must be booked by 14th September 2016 by calling 0208 003 6081.

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Record 58.3 million visitors for NYC

NEW YORK CITY welcomed an estimated 58.3 million visitors in 2015, an increase of 1.8 million on the 2014 total. Forty-six million were US tourists, while 12.3 million were international visitors, both all-time highs. 

Of the city’s four largest international markets – UK, Canada, Brazil, and China – all demonstrated growth last year, with China showing a 14 percent increase to an estimated 852,000 visitors. Preliminary estimates of 2015 visitation figures for the other key markets are: UK (1.192 million); Canada (1.072 million); and Brazil (926,000).

In 2015, the #NewYork City saw major attraction openings such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, the One World Observatory, and the Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbour.


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