New York City’s tourism sector has made a strong recovery from the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, but one area still lags behind: trips into the city from people living in the surrounding region.
This shortfall has been especially pronounced in Times Square, hitting Broadway theaters particularly hard.
According to the Center for an Urban Future Policy, as of September, Broadway ticket sales to individuals living in New Jersey, Westchester, and other suburban areas were still down 15 to 20 percent from 2019 levels.
A Center for an Urban Future Policy forum on these topics, “Accelerating the Return of Regional Visitors to Broadway,” will take place online on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 8 am to 10:45 am.
“This forum will delve into the factors that have contributed to the slow recovery of regional visitors to Broadway, from the persistence of hybrid work and safety concerns, to excessive traffic along Eighth Avenue, to a pedestrian environment and streetscape with plenty of room for reinvention,” an announcement of the event said.
“Our speakers will put forward concrete ideas and solutions to accelerate the return of regional visitors and bolster the experience of living, working, and playing in New York’s vital Theater District.”
Confirmed speakers include:
Alvin Bragg, Manhattan District Attorney
Erik Bottcher, New York City Council Member
Damian Bazadona, Founder and President, Situation Group
Charles Flateman, Executive Vice President, Shubert Organization; Board Chair, New York City Tourism + Conventions
Tom Harris, President, Times Square Alliance
Sign-up to watch via livestream here.
The Center for an Urban Future is a public policy organization dedicated to improving the overall health of New York City and serving its long-term interests by targeting problems facing low-income and working-class neighborhoods in all five boroughs.
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