New York City Tourism + Conventions Launches “Where the World Comes to Play” Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
New global tourism campaign is live this month in the UK,
Australia, Ireland, Singapore and New Zealand, with 15 markets
still to come. Campaign creative spotlights the
Statue of Liberty and playful themes including soccer,
shopping, nightlife and other activities.
New York City Tourism Plus Conventions, the official

(00:23):
destination marketing organization and convention and
visitors Bureau for the City S5 boroughs announced Where the
World Comes to Play, a new tourism marketing campaign
rolling out across 20 global markets through June 2026,
promoting travel throughout the coming year.
Launched in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 TM, when the

(00:47):
New York, New Jersey region willhost eight matches, including
the World Cup Final, the campaign invites sports fans,
curious travellers and culture seekers to experience the world
S most welcoming, diverse and vibrant destination.
As the nation S #1 point of entry for international travel
and the home of the FIFA World Cup Final, New York City is the

(01:10):
place to be for visitors next summer, said Julie Coker,
president and CEO of New York City Tourism Plus Conventions.
Whether you're a soccer fan or simply looking to enjoy all the
entertainment that the five burshave to offer, we're extending A
heartfelt invitation to come join us in NYC where the world

(01:31):
comes to play. You don't want to miss it.
We are excited to bring the world's biggest game to the
world S stage next summer with the FIFA World Cup, said New
York City Mayor Eric Adams. With this dynamic marketing
campaign, we'll draw even more visitors from around the world
to the five boroughs, creating jobs, supporting local

(01:54):
businesses and infusing billionsof dollars into our economy.
Under our administration, we're not only shattering records for
jobs and small businesses, we'redoubling down on that success
with events like the FIFA World Cup and campaigns like this one
to create a city where every family can thrive.

(02:15):
Next summer, New York, New Jersey will host 8 FIFA World
Cup matches including group stage matches on June 13th,
162225 and 27, a Round of 32 match on June 30th, a Round of
16 match on July 5th and the World Cup final on July 19th.

(02:37):
The FIFA World Cup will be the biggest sporting event in
history and next summer the eyesof the world will be on New York
and New Jersey, said FIFA World Cup 26 trademark New York New
Jersey host Committee CEO Alex Lazari.
Hosting 8 matches, including thefinal, provides us with an
unparalleled opportunity to showcase our region S diversity,

(03:01):
energy and hospitality. We look forward to welcoming the
world in 2026 and showcasing to a global audience why our region
stands as the premier destination for international
events. The new campaign was developed
in house by NYC Tourism Plus Conventions award-winning
creative and content team, building on the success and

(03:23):
brand equity of previous campaigns.
Where the World Comes to Play spotlights New York City S most
iconic symbol of welcome, the Statue of Liberty.
With an adaptable design that can be customized to individual
markets and partners, the campaign is an invitation to
travellers from across the globe, whether they are

(03:44):
travelling for the World Cup. Ads in select visitor markets
will feature a soccer ball or simply looking to enjoy the five
boroughs with other playful accessories such as a disco
ball, sunglasses or a shopping bag.
Advertisements will run in 20 markets including Australia,
Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia,France, Germany, Ireland, Italy,

(04:10):
Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South
Africa, South Korea, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United
Kingdom and long haul markets inthe United States.
NYC Tourism will activate the campaign through translated

(04:31):
outdoor media with partner JC toCause, in addition to digital
media in select markets. The campaign is supported by
airlines and travel partners including Air New Zealand, New
Zealand, Luxury Escapes Australia, Tour America,
Ireland, and Trade Locust Singapore, with more to be
announced. In addition, United Airlines is

(04:54):
an official airline partner of NYC Tourism in Australia,
Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
This partnership includes collaboration on marketing
campaigns, sales missions, fam trips, travel, trade trainings
and more. As the region prepares to host

(05:15):
the World Cup, the organization is also rolling out visitor
information including tournamentdetails, trip planning tools and
a spotlight on NYCS vibrant soccer culture at
newyorkseatourism.com. World Cup 26 NYC Tourism
recently launched 2 new AI generated chat bots to help

(05:36):
consumers and business event professionals plan trips ahead
of the World Cup. These free, innovative tools,
named Libby and Ellis, are available in 60 languages on New
yorkseatourism.com and WhatsApp.Since launching earlier this
year, users have conducted 25,000 conversations across the

(05:58):
two platforms in partnership with the New York, New Jersey
Host Committee. NYC Tourism B2B Resources tools
include a toolkit and educational webinars to prepare
local businesses to welcome fans, and a new Travel Trade
Academy module to help tour operators and travel agents
build and sell sports itineraries.

(06:20):
In addition to the FIFA Fan Festival TMNYNJ taking place at
New Jersey S Liberty State Park from June 11th to July 19th,
additional New York City Fan zones will be announced in the
coming weeks. Tourism is vital to New York
City S economy. In 2024, the City welcomed 64.5

(06:43):
million visitors, generating 81.4 billion in economic impact
and 53.4 billion in direct spending, accounting for 387,000
jobs across the five boroughs. To plan your trip now, visit
newyorkseatourism.com. About New York City Tourism Plus

(07:03):
Conventions New York City Tourism Plus Conventions is the
official destination marketing organization, DMO and Convention
and visitors Bureau CVB for the five boroughs of New York City.
Our mission is to invite the world and energize the city,
building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and

(07:24):
community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents,
businesses and visitors. For all there is to do and see
in New York City, visit New Yorkseatourism com.