The Americas, Editor’s Pick



It may be the city that never sleeps, but for a couple of months every year, New York very definitely takes a snooze.

A ferry makes its way through ice in New York yesterday

A ferry makes its way through ice in New York. Image by (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Every January and February, business in the Big Apple suffers a dramatic fall, with attendances on Broadway and guest numbers in hotels across the city down up to 25% when compared to summer rates.

Last February for example, occupancy rates across the city’s hotels were just 78%, markedly lower than the 93% recorded six months later in August.

New York’s tough winters, combined with the natural falloff in visitors that inevitably follow the Christmas rush, have all been blamed for the poor figures.

Major stores like Macy’s have even suffered. The famous department store reported a decline in profits for the first three months of 2015, blaming severe weather and also the comparative strength of the dollar against other currencies.

The lull in business was the inspiration for the city’s latest campaign Unlock NYC, which is hoping to boost winter visitor numbers.

New York is bracing for heavy snow

New York in winter. Image by (AP Photo/Patrick Sison)

Of course, the silver lining for visitors from New York’s winter blues is that the city does get a little cheaper for tourists during the quiet months.

Daily room rates from January to March are around $235, which is about 22% lower than the average for the rest of the year.

The Unlock NYC campaign is also running promotions in conjunction with popular restaurants and theatres offering further discounts.

Two for one tickets for Broadway shows will be made available for major productions from 19 January until 5 February.

A similar offer is planned for NYC Off-Broadway Week with two-for-one tickets available for less high-profile shows from 1 to 14 February.

The campaign is also focusing on some of New York’s lesser-known attractions like the Morgan Memorial Hall of Gems, an exhibit of spectacular jewels at the Natural History Museum.

Also featured is the city’s single-best free attraction: the ferry to Staten Island, which offers the most perfect views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.

See also: Ten reasons to (re)visit New York this year