REPORT - ITB 2006, BERLIN: New York continues to attract more visitors each year. According to first figures released for 2005, the Big Apple received some 41 million visitors including 6.7 million international visitors. For 2006, the city administration predicts an all-time record of 43.3 million.

The demand for New York from overseas markets continues to climb putting more pressure on hotel accommodation. Last year, 22 million overnights were booked (+4% over 2004) putting the average occupancy rate of hotels at 86%. The city currently has 70,639 rooms and should add another 5,000 more by the end of 2007, the equivalent of 18 new projects.

While large hotel groups like Starwood, Hilton and Marriott have plans to expand over the next two years, most of the recent hotel developments have been in niche segments like boutique hotels. Celebrities have moved into New York hotel business with Ian Schrager, Andre Balaz or even Robert de Niro investing into the market.

Among the new products and developments for 2006 and 2007, the redevelopment of lower Manhattan is well underway with the 52-story ‘7 World Trade Center’ set for completion this year, a memorial plan as well as the cornerstone in place for the future Freedom Tower, which will be New York highest tower at 541 meter.

A new World Trade Center Transportation Hub, designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, will be home to regional trains and eleven subway lines. It might possibly include a direct rail link to JFK Airport. The project should be completed by 2007. The first phase, a permanent WTC PATH station, is expected to open in 2006.

Among new cultural offerings, Manhattan Lower East Side will see the New Museum of Contemporary Art in 2007. Another museum, due to open this year, is the National Cartoon Museum which will move into its new home, the Empire State Building. The facility will house the world’s largest collection of cartoon art.