Back And Better Than Ever

Fifteen years after 9/11, Lower Manhattan has “come back stronger.”

While the neighbourhood has always been well-visited, Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, says it’s transformed into a thriving hotspot for visitors and locals alike, reports Ann Ruppenstein in this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier.

“Many people predicated the end of Lower Manhattan immediately after 9/11,” Dixon told Travel Courier. “It was almost inconceivable how this community was going to come back after the devastation because it was unprecedented in every way, and the fact that it has, and that it’s come back in such a beautiful way, is I think the most beautiful testament to the anniversary itself.”

Among the latest developments breathing new life into the area are attractions like One World Observatory and the aqua-themed SeaGlass Carousel; hotels including The Beekman and the Four Seasons New York Downtown, which will include a new restaurant by Wolfgang Puck; ample shopping and dining options; and much more.

“What’s happening in the neighbourhood to make it more attractive to locals is also making it more attractive to visitors because people like to visit communities that are robust, that are lively,” he says.

“Mini-cities that are downtown in financial districts are often very quiet at night. That old saying they roll up their streets after five o’clock, that’s certainly not true in Lower Manhattan today. It’s more vibrant than ever across every sector. This neighbourhood has come back stronger.”

For the full story, check out this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier by clicking here.