Borough enjoying substantial increase in tourism

Bronx Visitors Guide will help to further redefine The Bronx as a destination

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 – Bronx, NY – Today, The Bronx Tourism Council and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced the launch of the first annual Bronx Visitors Guide.

The launch took place at Port Morris Distillery, one of the borough’s newest tourist destinations, and featured remarks from Borough President Diaz, Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council; and Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC).  The Bronx Tourism Council is a subsidiary of BOEDC.

The publication, printed in part with the support of NYC & Company, the City’s official destination marketing organization, is available as a 44-page booklet to be distributed through Manhattan and Bronx-based visitor’s centers, institutions, and top-tier hotels.

In addition to the book, a digital mobile-enabled version is also available online on www.ilovethebronx.com, as most tourists prefer to access information on the go using hand-held devices. The digital version is equipped with finger-swipe technology and all links are active for easy access to specific attractions.

“Tourism is up 14 percent in the borough, and this year we will push that number even higher,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “People visiting New York City are starting to realize that this town is enormous and that there are many great sights to see right here in The Bronx. The Bronx Visitors Guide is a great way to highlight the amazing tourist destinations, eateries and other attractions our great borough that we have to offer those visiting New York City.”
The borough has over 100 tourist-ready destinations and has come a long way in reinvigorating its image.

“The Bronx has arrived!” says Bronx Tourism Council Executive Director Olga Luz Tirado. “This borough has become a viable destination for many visitors coming from, not just the continental United States, but from all over the world.”

Tirado, who was named head of tourism in 2012 brought with her essential creative, marketing and technical skills to help propel the borough into a “must-see” part of New York City. The organization incorporated a multi-platform marketing plan, which included a periodic eNewsletter, a social media engagement strategy, and fresh promotional collateral. By the end of 2013, according to NYC & Company, the borough enjoyed a 14 percent increase in tourism, with some institutions reporting record-breaking numbers of visitors.

“The Bronx is getting more attention from tourists than ever, thanks to the promotion and support of NYC & Company, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the Bronx Tourism Council,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “This guide will play a huge role in telling visitors just how hot the Bronx is, from its must-see attractions to its cultural richness and history, and delicious cuisine. We can’t wait to introduce even more of New York City’s 56.4 million annual visitors to the Bronx.”

“Tourism’s double digit increase in The Bronx further fuels our economic engine while providing unique and exciting venues.  We are working to insure that our new visitors continue to have many reasons to return to our borough to visit not just these destinations, but also our Bronx businesses and restaurants who provide added value to the New York experience,” said Marlene Cintron, President of BOEDC.

A photo of the guide’s cover can be downloaded at https://flic.kr/p/rD5QiQ