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Photos: Bloomberg Kisses Miss Piggy And Other Muppet & Mayor Moments
By
tien mao
Published Apr 13, 2012
Modified Apr 13, 2012
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By
tien mao
Published Apr 13, 2012
Modified Apr 13, 2012
Share
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Earlier today, Mayor Bloomberg and NYC & Company announced that the Muppets would be the official NYC Family Ambassadors for 2012. At the press conference, Bloomberg was joined by NYC & Co CEO George Fertitta, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great and Pepe the King Prawn.
It was somewhat of a reunion for Mayor Bloomberg and Miss Piggy — the two were together in A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (he tells Miss Piggy that she can't cut the line at the post office because "the one thing New Yorkers are known for is being polite"). Bloomberg said, "A few years ago — and I'm sure all of you remember this — I had a scene with Miss Piggy in the TV special, A Muppets Christmas. And I have to confess that I did...ham it up a bit." Trademark Bloomberg humor! And yet the Muppets have agreed to appear with mayor again.
Miss Piggy said that in NYC, visitors can "eat anything you want, Mayor Bloomberg even says that it's okay to have trans fats! Just this once!" For those that out of towners that are a bit strange, Gonzo says, "Come to New York and you'll feel right at home." Pepe the King Prawn, the last Muppet to show up, was late because he was "at the Fulton Fish Market visiting his family."
After Bloomberg shared a kiss with Miss Piggy, she asked who was the better kisser—her or Lady Gaga. Ever the politician, the mayor said, "I never kiss and tell." When asked again later about the kisses, Bloomberg said "they were both wonderful, but a kiss with Diana [Taylor, Bloomberg's longtime companion] is better just to get me through the evening." The mayor was also asked if he was a "man or a Muppet" to which he responded: "I have a Muppet at home that is a wonderful characterization of me. I'm actually a little bit taller and better looking, but they took artistic license." Kermit said that the mayor was an "honorary Muppet" but Gonzo said that was subjective.
Family tourism (groups traveling with at least one member under 18) increased last year in NYC to an estimated 15.1 million people. That's up from 14.3 million visitors in 2010. Domestic tourists in these groups spent an average of $371/per person per day.
With the partnership, the various Muppets will show visitors what they can do in the city. Miss Piggy has shopping tips, Kermit has itineraries, Gonzo has attractions, the Sweedish Chef covers dining, and Pepe the King Prawn has visitors covered for tours and sightseeing.
Tagged
family tourism
mayor bloomberg
muppets
nyc & company
tourists
tien mao
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