Master Vision_FINAL_4-2-18

Increased Hotel Occupancy and Tourism
The Gates drew visitors from around the world during what is traditionally the slowest month
for New York City’s tourism industry. Last year, Midtown Manhattan hotels reported occupancy
rates of 73.6% with room rates at $194.25. This year, through February 23, those hotels reported
occupancy rates of 86.9% with room rates at $223.81. During weekends of The Gates, the
occupancy rates were well over 90%. This data translates into an increase in revenue of over
$2 million or 18%.
For example, the Amsterdam Inn Hotel, one of Manhattan’s affordable hotels, on Amsterdam
Avenue and 76th Street, enjoyed a full house almost every day. The Hotel Deauville New York
in Gramercy Park had a 50% higher occupancy rate compared to the previous year. The Four
Seasons Hotel New York reported that The Gates transformed one of the slowest months of the
year into the strongest February that they had ever experienced. The Waldorf=Astoria, which
had forecasted increased demand from The Gates, was surprised by the high number of visitors
from throughout Europe, many from Germany, and said the event transformed the hotel
into an art lover’s haven. The Essex House, located on Central Park South, the Doubletree
Metropolitan Hotel at 51st Street and Lexington and the New York Marriot located in Downtown
Brooklyn also reported increased occupancy.
In addition, the NYC & Company Visitor Information Center in Midtown welcomed an average
of 739 visitors per day during The Gates from February 12th through 27th, compared to an average
of 436 visitors per day, during the first part of the month from February 1st through 11th
- an increase of 69%.
New York City tourism is a $24 billion industry that supports nearly 300,000 jobs in all five boroughs.
Approximately 50% of the City’s 40 million annual visitors include cultural activities as
part of their New York City itineraries. Spending by these cultural visitors produces $12 billion
in economic activity citywide on lodging, dining, shopping, entertainment and transportation. International
visitors, while comprising only 13% of New York City’s total visitor volume, represent
45% of total visitor spending.
“The Gates not only drew millions of people to Central Park, it attracted hundreds of thousands
of visitors to New York City,” said Cristyne L. Nicholas. “February hotel occupancy reached
peak levels, a new wave of visitors spent money in our shops, restaurants and cultural organizations,
and images of New York City were broadcast around the world inspiring future trips to
our great city.”
Increased Restaurant Business
public art
158
Restaurants, large and small, and not just those adjacent to Central Park, reported an increase
in patrons during The Gates. Business at Mickey Mantle’s rose almost 110% on weekdays and
200% on weekends. Rosa Mexicano at Lincoln Center reported that lunch business increased
200% and sales are up 30% over last year. Nectar Coffee Shop, which has two locations on
Madison Avenue (at 79th and 82nd), reported long lines for tables and a 20-25% increase in
sales. Times Square restaurants Blue Fin and Ruby Foo’s and other restaurants in the area
such as the Brooklyn Diner, Cafe Fiorello, Tratoria Del Arte, Shelly’s NY, and Redeye Grill all
saw a significant increase in sales over the 16 days of The Gates compared to the same time
period one year ago.
master vision 159