NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for the City of New York, on Wednesday announced the establishment of a tourism representation in Shanghai, eastern China.

The announcement marks the latest step in NYC & Company's plan to build a global network and boost international travel to the Big Apple.

"It's a privilege to represent New York City today and to mark this important moment for our travel and tourism industry," said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company, at a press conference held in Shanghai Wednesday.

"As financial, commercial and media centers, New York City and Shanghai have many common interests. And as professionals continue to travel to New York for business, they will find a dynamic, thriving city."

The high volume of Chinese business travel to New York City, coupled with residents' increased interest in tourism opportunities, makes China among the most important targets in New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's campaign to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2015.

NYC & Company now has representative offices in 19 countries. A new location in Tokyo, Japan, opened on June 26, and a launch for Seoul, South Korea, will take place on July 2.

Although the United States has not approved destinations status (ADS), travelers from China may come with work visas that include permission to bring family members. These visits generally last 10 to 15 days and include stays in multiple cities.

This new wave of travelers has already affected the tourism industry across the United States and in New York City in particular.

Travelers from China to New York City have been on the rise for some time, jumping sharply from 59,000 visitors in 2002 to 133,000 in 2005 and an estimated 165,000 visitors will visit the city in 2007.

"There is no better time for Chinese travelers to visit New York City," said Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman of the NYC & Company board.

"It continues to be a dynamic and multicultural destination that offers visitors exciting things to do from designer shopping and dining out to sightseeing at landmark attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square," he said.

New York City offers some of the top designer shopping experiences worldwide, from luxury boutiques on the streets of SoHo to flagship stores such as Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue. Popular sightseeing attractions include the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Source: Xinhua