Good weather brought out the crowds over the weekend, with another successful Fleet Week in the books. The latest data supports what we're seeing on the ground—the city is booming.
A four-week tally of the top 25 hotel markets shows NYC at the top, with 86.5% occupancy—a sharp 6% gain driven by improved Monday-Wednesday performance. The week ending May 20th was even stronger, with occupancy at 89.5% and room nights sold at their highest point of the year. ADR was at 117% of the 2019 benchmark.
Transit numbers continue to rise, with Metro-North and the LIRR setting post-COVID records for ridership; last month also saw increased ridership on subways and buses.
The latest Amadeus Hospitality Market Insights Report notes NYC is the #2 market worldwide for air arrivals for June, trailing only London.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports traveler confidence is high, with 79% having summer trips planned; forward bookings data is 35% higher than 2022.
We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend—now let's get busy!
City Map Summer Edition Is Out Today
City Guide's popular City Map today drops a new Summer 2023 edition. A detailed map of Manhattan is backed by up-close maps covering attractions and all Broadway shows. If you need more City Maps or have other needs, please reach out to distribution@davlermedia.com. If you want to be featured in the Fall map please contact us soon, the maps are selling out.
Tech giants have gutted publishing. Now digital fatigue is giving print a new lease on life
Last week, Fortune magazine published an article by Davler CEO David Miller detailing the resurgence of the print publishing industry. Key takeaways include:
Magazine readership has been increasing for the past decade
Most magazine readers still prefer print over reading magazines online
Time spent reading print is valued, with readers committing more minutes to print than online articles
Print appeals to a broad age range, with two-thirds of adults aged 18 to 34 loyal to the tactile experience of print
Print is well-positioned to serve the growing trend of "digital detox"
Print's less intrusive nature gives it much more impact than digital advertising
City Hall is focusing on retail theft with a new holistic strategy derived from a summit of retailers, law enforcement, union leaders, and BIDs. A blend of social programs and law enforcement will be used. The mayor's office notes that only 327 repeat offenders account for 30% of shoplifting arrests.
The Great Gatsby
Welcome back to the Roaring Twenties—red-hot rhythms, bootleg liquor, and pure Jazz Age self-indulgence. Your guests will want to dress to the nines for The Great Gatsby, a heart-racing, interactive adaptation of the iconic novel. Spend the evening dancing and clinking glasses with Nick Carraway, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby himself. As the champagne flows, the drama unfolds (14+; 14-18s must be with an adult). Gatsby Mansion at the Park Central Hotel, immersivegatsby.com. Previews begin June 6th.
Mastercard's Travel Industry Trends 2023 report notes travelers are increasingly seeking unique experiences, with spending up 65% (against a 12% increase in spending on things)
City Guide is looking forward to a busy few days as we have a full calendar of events, connecting concierge with restaurants, shows, and attractions—including the city's new slate of immersive experiences. Nothing compares to a first-hand visit when it comes to providing informed advice to city visitors. (Pictured here, City Guide's Eli Marcus with Joe Baer, on opening night of the new one man show Samuel Clemens: Tales of Mark Twain.)
