NYC & Co, GTA and Virgin Atlantic Airways launch a special incentive
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NYC & Company, in partnership with Gullivers Travel Associates (GTA) and Virgin Atlantic Airways, has launched an incentive programme offering the Indian travel trade fraternity an opportunity to experience New York City on a familiarisation trip. Each week from 11 March, 2013 to 26 April, 2013, one agent who makes the maximum bookings with GTA on Virgin Atlantic to New York City will be selected; the top seven producers will be invited for the FAM. However, to be eligible for the FAM, agents should be certified NYC Specialists.
“We are pleased to partner with Virgin Atlantic and GTA to increase visibility and visitors to New York City from India. We are well on our way to achieving our goal of US$70 billion in economic impact and 55 million visitors by 2015 and want to ensure New York City is at the forefront destination for travel, be it business or leisure”, revealed Makiko Matsuda Healy, Vice President - Tourism Development, NYC & Company. In 2012, New York City welcomed an estimated 41 million domestic visitors and 11 million international visitors. In addition, New York City sold a record 29 million hotel room nights and generated US$504 million in hotel tax revenue.
“New York has always been an important market for Virgin Atlantic – it’s where it all started with our first flight from London in 1984. In the last year alone, we have witnessed 40 per cent more passengers choosing to fly to New York on Virgin from Delhi and we are seeing a similar trend emerge out of Mumbai as well. We are delighted to bring this exciting opportunity for Indian travel trade to experience both Virgin Atlantic’s fabulous service and amazing New York,” said Stephen King, General Manager, Virgin Atlantic- India.
“The profile of US destinations is increasing in India and New York City is right at the top of people’s wish-list. This is a great opportunity for travel agents to learn first-hand just what the city has to offer. Whether it’s a short stay or a longer trip, GTA draws on decades of experience and long-standing relationships with organisations like NYC & Company and Virgin Atlantic to advise and inspire travel agents about destinations and places to stay in all parts of the world,” stated Gopika Khanna, FIT Area Manager – India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Nepal, GTA.