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"Are You Talking to Me?": NYC Gives Tourists Tips!
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 29, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 29, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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Mayor Bloomberg unveiled a new campaign, Just Ask The Locals, "the City's first-ever five-borough marketing and advertising campaign to make visitors feel more welcome, thank them for visiting, and help them navigate New York City." The Mayor made the announcement at the new American Airlines terminal at JFK and said, "New Yorkers have always been welcoming and friendly, but not enough people around the world know it. So now we're going the extra mile to make visitors feel even more at home by offering a helpful piece of advice, an insider's tip, or just a friendly smile as they explore and enjoy all the wonderful attractions here in our City."
There will be outdoor advertising, a new tourism website (here), insider tips from celebrity residents, and even a tip card with helpful suggestions. The CityRoom has the tips:
- Call 311 or (212) NEW-YORK for all information about the city.
- Fifth Avenue divides Manhattan into the East Side and West Side.
- When getting directions, always ask for the cross streets (i.e. 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets).
- In Manhattan, if you walk 20 blocks north or south, you have walked one mile.
- If the number on the top of the taxicab is lit, it means the cab is available.
- It is customary to tip 15 to 20 percent to wait staff, bartenders and taxi drivers.
- MetroCards work on both buses and subways, and transfers between the two are free.
- Free wireless Internet is available at many public parks.
- Many businesses, including pharmacies and delis, are open 24 hours.
- Have a question about NYC? Just ask the locals, or to go to nycvisit.com.
Nice, but where is the "Do not walk more than three people wide on sidewalks" suggestion?! But the City wants to remind us that tourism is critical to the city's economy, because tourism generates $24.7 billion in revenue and supports 368,000 jobs. Without tourism, to maintain the current budget, households would need to fork over almost another $1000 in city and state taxes.
And the celebrity locals involved in the campaign are Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Tiki Barber, Chuck Close and Jimmy Fallon - all of whom we believe live in Manhattan. Jimmy suggests Pete's Tavern and Two Boots, Julianne says Piccolo Angolo is "so good," Chuck like the Frick...well, you get the idea.
Do you have suggestions to tourists visiting NYC? What are they?
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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