New York City and Amsterdam Announce City-to-City Partnership to Increase Travel Between The Two Destinations

New York City and Amsterdam announced today a City-to-City partnership to increase travel between the two destinations. The collaborative tourism agreement was signed by George Fertitta (CEO of NYC & Company), Frans van der Avert (CEO of Amsterdam Marketing) and Alderperson and Vice Mayor Carolien Gehrels at the Amsterdam Mayor’s Residence. The two cities plan to develop a programme of mutual promotion to increase the flow of tourists between New York City and Amsterdam and will include the sharing of best practices and promotion through social media, press and select advertising and consumer promotions.

The one-year agreement is the result of increasingly intensifying contact and collaboration between New York City and Amsterdam. The cities have met several times over the last several years and NYC & Company has provided insight into their unique public private model that was emulated by Amsterdam Marketing as of January 1st 2013. In addition, in 2009, the then Royal Highness The Prince of Orange and Princess Maxima travelled to New York City to celebrate 400 years of history, and highlight the significant historical links and commonalities our two cities share.

The new tourism agreement will result in collaboration on a range of promotional activities such as press and consumer campaigns as well as the use of social media. With a view to further strengthening cooperation, KLM is the exclusive airline partner. KLM intends to play a significant role by organising special promotions and integrated campaigns.

Amsterdam attracts in the region of 400,000 American visitors to the city every year and together they account for an impressive one million overnight stays at hotels annually. New York City is the number one destination to the United States by Dutch travellers receiving 54 percent of Dutch visitation to the United States. More than 200,000 Dutch visitors travel to the five boroughs every year and the Netherlands remains one of New York City’s strongest Western European markets.

The aim of the new City-to-City agreement is to ensure that visitor numbers in both cities continue to rise by raising the visibility of both destinations and by spotlighting all the great things to do and see in both cities. Amsterdam and New York City both are global leaders of creativity, style, design and innovation. Just a few hours away travelling by plane, visitors to both cities can take advantage of numerous dining, shopping, nightlife, entertainment, and cultural offerings as well as experience a unique energy and vibrancy that both cities share.

Amsterdam Marketing is the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area’s city marketing organisation, dedicated to placing the region firmly on the map as one of the five most attractive European metropolises for residents, visitors and companies. Amsterdam Marketing uses the I amsterdam motto to profile the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area as an international metropolis in which to live and work, an appealing travel destination and a breeding ground for innovation.

NYC & Company is New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation. Their mission is to maximise travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs of the city, build economic prosperity and spread the dynamic image of New York City around the world.

About Amsterdam Marketing 
Amsterdam Marketing is the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area’s city marketing organisation, active in the fields of promotion, information, research and the provision of services. The organisation is dedicated to placing the region firmly on the map as one of the five most attractive European metropolises for residents, visitors and companies. Amsterdam Marketing uses the I amsterdam motto to profile the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area as an international metropolis in which to live and work, an appealing travel destination and a breeding ground for innovation. For more information, visit www.iamsterdam.com/corporate.

About NYC & Company 
NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visitwww.nycgo.com.