Power Players in Tourism and Hospitality

James “Jimmy” L. Nederlander is the president of The Nederlander Organization. The third-generation Broadway producer and theater owner leads the family business, overseeing the management of a vast portfolio of world class theaters and entertainment venues. As a producer, Mr. Nederlander has received numerous Tony and Drama Desk Awards. He launched the Jimmy Awards, or the National High School Musical Theater Awards, in 2009 in honor of his father, the late James M. Nederlander. Mr. Nederlander is also a dedicated philanthropist, and serves on the Board of Trustees for many cultural, educational, and activist organizations. He is the recipient of countless awards and honors. He and his father were the first father/son to be named New York City Living Landmarks in 2012, the same year as the Nederlander Organization’s 100 year anniversary.

Clare Newman serves as the president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, charged with the planning, redevelopment, and ongoing operations of 150 acres of Governors Island. Clare came from the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation where, as chief of staff and executive vice president, she implemented projects to create jobs and foster development. Clare was previously a senior leader at Bloomberg Philanthropies and a vice president at NYCEDC. Clare received a Masters of Urban Planning from GSAPP at Columbia University and a B.A. in Political Economy from Williams College.

What do you wish more people understood about the tourism and hospitality industry?
I wish more people understood the sense of community that is so strong within the tourism and hospitality industry. From the outside looking in, visitors see workers of all varieties offering services and experiences, but the heart of the hospitality and tourism industry is a group of locals working together every day to provide visitors with world class experiences that represent and exemplify the love we have for our city.

How is the industry recovering after the pandemic?
Things are certainly getting better, but there is more work to be done. The backbone of New York City is our tourism and hospitality sectors, and they have suffered immensely during the pandemic. Hopefully this upcoming summer will present locals and tourists with an opportunity to come back to New York City, rediscover old favorites and try out new destinations, as well.

What is one tourist destination that all visitors should add to their itinerary?
I would be remiss if I did not encourage visitors to join us on Governors Island! Governors Island is truly an oasis right here in the midst of New York City. We have some of the best eateries anywhere in New York City, amazing public artwork, fun and free activities for all ages and the best views of the iconic Manhattan skyline. Governors Island has something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to see you on the ferry this summer.

George Lence, President

George directs government affairs on behalf of clients such as Statue City Cruises, Gray Line CitySightseeing, Lincoln Square BID, Broadway Association, Times Square Alliance, Times Square Advertising Coalition, and the New York Coalition of Code Consultants. Before Nicholas & Lence, George served for six years as COO at NYC & Company. He is president of government affairs professionals and board member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, the Broadway Association, the Lower Manhattan Marketing Association, and the Business Council of Westchester.

What do you wish more people understood about the tourism and hospitality industry?
It is important for New Yorkers to understand that tourism is historically a major driver of economic prosperity for New York City. In 2019, for instance, the 66.6 million visitors to the city spent over $47.7 billion on hotels, restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions across the five boroughs, supporting more than 300,000 jobs. Tax revenue from all this business supported both direct employment and essential services, including first responders, education and transit. Tourism benefits all five boroughs. The hotel might be in Manhattan, but the sheets, tablecloths and uniforms might be laundered in Queens.

How is the industry recovering after the pandemic?
The tourism industry is recovering swiftly from the pandemic, with frequent daily visitors to Times Square over 300,000 and upwards of 10,000 a day visiting the Statue of Liberty. NYC & Company, the city’s tourism promotion agency, is projecting a 70% increase in tourists this year from last year to 56.4 million visitors, including eight million from outside the U.S. That total would still be far below the 66.6 million visitors that NYC & Company estimated for 2019. But it would put the city closer to Mayor Eric Adams’ goal of a full tourism recovery by 2024.

What is the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken, or the most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?
Iceland was simply phenomenal. Parts of it feel like the surface of the moon and the volatile terrain is breathtaking. The French Laundry in Yountville, CA, was an amazing gastronomic and scenic experience.

What is one tourist destination that all visitors should add to their itinerary?
New Yorkers should become tourists in their own town and realize that tens of millions of people travel here for reasons we at times take for granted: visit the Statue of Liberty, especially if you hadn’t done so in fourth or fifth grade; hop aboard an NYC Ferry; see a Broadway show; and explore thriving neighborhoods in the boroughs like Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. The possibilities are endless.

Cristyne Nicholas, CEO

With George Lence, Cristyne Nicholas founded Nicholas & Lence Communications in 2007. Known for rebuilding New York City’s $27 billion dollar tourism industry following the tragic events of September 11th , she launched the city’s first consumer TV advertising campaign, patriotic tourism initiatives such as Paint the Town Red White & Blue, and recruited major events such as The World Economic Forum, The Grammy Awards, RNC 2004, Country Music Awards, and Super Bowl XLVIII. Cristyne began marketing the City in 1994, serving as City Hall press secretary and, later, communications director, overseeing press operations for all city agencies. 

Upon graduating from Rutgers, her career path began as a campaign aide to U.S. Senator Bill Bradley of New Jersey, press secretary to U.S. Representative Helen Bentley of Maryland, and President George H.W. Bush’s campaign press secretary for New York and New Jersey.

Cristyne was named 40 under 40 by Crain’s New York Business, Top 100 Women by City & State New York, Top 25 People in travel by Travel Magazine, and one of 10 most influential people in the travel industry by Meetings and Incentive Magazine. In 2012, she was appointed as chair of the New York State Tourism Advisory Council. She serves as the chairman of the Broadway Association, is on the Steering Committee for the Association for a Better New York and co-hosts AM970 Radio Night Live on Friday evenings, focused on NYC tourism recovery.

As senior vice president of the Ferries and Transportation division of City Ferry, Tim oversees the contract management and reporting, public affairs, and marketing for nine domestic ferry operations including the Puerto Rico municipal ferry service and NYC Ferry, a 38-vessel service contracted with the City of New York, Hornblower Marine, a shipyard in Bridgeport, CT, and Seaward Services, Hornblower’s offshore and international operating division.

How is the industry recovering after the pandemic?
Ridership on NYC Ferry stayed relatively strong during the pandemic, returning to about 2/3 of 2019 levels in 2020. In the last few months we have begun to equal or exceed 2019 ridership, which is a big milestone for us and reflects the return of commuters at least on a hybrid basis, as well as what we see are changing commuting patterns where riders prefer an outdoor commute to other modes.

What is the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken, or the most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?
Now I’m a boat nerd, but to me riding on an NYC Ferry is about as good as it gets — whether it’s up the East River, past Hell’s Gate en route to Soundview, or approaching Pier 11/Wall Street on the Rockaway route as the skyline of lower Manhattan looms larger on approach. The light, the wind, the vessel traffic are never the same twice.

What is one tourist destination that all visitors should add to their itinerary?
Any visitor to NYC — or anyone looking for a great staycation for that matter — should experience a visit to the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and the One World Observatory at the top of One World Trade Center. Our team has worked to combine these experiences into one package, with seamless booking at reduced cost. What other range of experiences demonstrates the history, and incredible building achievements this city has to offer?

John Percy is president and CEO of Destination Niagara USA (formerly the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation), the official Destination Marketing Organization for Niagara Falls USA, a position that he has held since 2006. Previously, Mr. Percy served as vice president of sales and marketing for the NTCC. Other prior experience includes vice president of tourism for the Niagara Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau and 15 years in shopping center marketing and management in both Western New York and Detroit, Michigan.

What do you wish more people understood about the tourism and hospitality industry?
This industry provides one of the most exciting and exhilarating career paths anyone could take. I think we, the tourism and hospitality industry, have not done enough work in promoting the industry and for that have been perceived as only low paying entry-level jobs. We need to all work together to change this perception and mindset. With workforce development being a major concern for the industry, now is the time to work on elevating the perception and building back our workforce. The career choices are very diverse and can provide one of the most rewarding career paths.

How is the industry recovering after the pandemic?
Our industry is the first to be hit the hardest, but time and time again we have witnessed that we are the quickest to rebound. I have experienced many crises and the rebound has shown us that our industry is resilient and bounces back bigger and stronger. This recovery will be the same and we are already witnessing the pent-up demand and return to travel, at least on the leisure side. I also think the rebound will be quicker than analysts are predicting from all market segments.

What is the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken, or the most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?
On my last business trip to India, I took a side trip to Udaipur and scheduled a sunrise trip on the lake. I was the only person on the boat besides the captain. The sunrise presented itself as one of the most magnificent I have ever experienced and it painted that sky and lake like a masterpiece. I believe travel presents memorable moments and that truly was one of mine.

What is one tourist destination that all visitors should add to their itinerary?
Well, as the official destination marketer for Niagara Falls USA, I would be remiss if I didn’t say Niagara Falls. I have the honor and pleasure to represent this iconic brand and it is truly a must-see destination!

Renée Price is the founding director of Neue Galerie New York, a museum dedicated to German and Austrian art from the early twentieth century. Ms. Price had previously served as director of the Serge Sabarsky Gallery, and was subsequently appointed director of the Neue Galerie, founded by the late Sabarsky and art collector Ronald S. Lauder. The museum opened in November 2001, and is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Viennese-born Price was awarded the Decoration of Honor in Gold for Services to the Republic of Austria in 2014 for her leadership at the Neue Galerie, and her influence in championing Austrian and German art. Price is also decorated with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest tribute that the nation pays to individuals for services to Germany.

Jonelle Procope is the president and CEO of the Apollo Theater. She has served in this position since 2003, prior to which she served as a member of the Apollo Board of Trustees. During her tenure, she developed a long term plan to transform the historical landmark and nonprofit institution into a performing arts center for the twenty-first century. Ms. Procope began her career as an associate attorney at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Before joining the Apollo Theater, she held numerous leadership roles in the fields of entertainment law and corporate management.

President and CEO of the New York State Tourism Industry Association Bob Provost advocates a business philosophy of ‘doing good while doing well’ — mastering the art of integrating long-term strategic business objectives with community engagement, philanthropy, and volunteerism to maximize success in the long term. It has served him well through a distinguished and award-winning executive career.

What do you wish more people understood about the tourism and hospitality industry?
Tourism is a catalyst to economic development. Properly managed, it improves the standard of living, quality of life, and pride of place for the destination and its residents. It creates jobs, supports small, locally-owned businesses and helps revitalize communities. Tourism stewardship is the means by which we enrich and improve the life of the resident using the economic contributions of visitors.

How is the industry recovering after the pandemic?
Those destinations that offer outdoor and socially-distanced opportunities for domestic travelers have recovered rapidly. Destinations dependent on group, business and international travelers, large events and large venues have suffered the most and recovered more slowly.

What is the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken, or the most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?
Most memorable times have been family ventures — the experiences and memories they create have been priceless. Canoeing, visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame or National Comedy Center — all have been rewarding.

What is one tourist destination that all visitors should add to their itinerary?
I  cannot single out one destination — but I recommend that New Yorkers consider a ‘land cruise’ across upstate New York! There is so much to see and experience and it is so diverse. Parks, museums, wine and ale trails, outdoor adventure, mountains, lakes and canals, casinos and cuisine.