I Google New York

Published: 2009 - April/May, New York Itinerary

New York unveils tourism of the Third Millennium. And it does it through two technologically avant guard initiatives: a latest generation web portal, nycgo.com and above all a information center, in Midtown Manhattan, dedicated to multimedia and interactivity. The objective is to provide new and efficient instruments for the discovery of New York’s five districts, thanks to the use of the most ‘user-friendly’ interface available today. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg presented the new services, developed thanks to a series of important partnerships: with Google on the information systems front; with Travelocity and Open Table for the management of bookings; with Time Out New York, Greenopia, Paper magazine and The New York Observer for the contents regarding the expectations of visitors and residents.
The web site nycgo.com is thus equipped with a powerful calendar of city events and offers information on hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions; with a nod towards culture, thanks to the collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs.
However, it’s the new ‘information center’ of NYC&Co. (810 Seventh Ave. between 52nd and 53rd Street), costing 1, 8 million dollars and designed by WXY Architecture and Urban Design Local Products that has the most involving interactive instruments. For example, the opportunity to create personalized itineraries through digital maps of New York City: also at the user’s disposal the power of Google Maps and Google Earth. There are also terminals where it is possible to obtain up to date information in nine languages. The information thus selected can then be transferred to your cell phone by sms.