The Leadership in Tourism Awards were established by NYC & Company last year to honor individuals for extraordinary leadership in promoting New York City tourism.  Tourism in New York City employs almost 300,000 people and generates $25 billion in economic activity and $3 billion in city, state and federal taxes (2000 figures).  This year�s honorees were chosen for their exceptional commitment to New York City, whether constructing world class buildings destined to become city landmarks, using the media to help focus attention on everything that New York has to offer or supporting New York in an unprecedented way following September 11th.

Mr. Tisch said: "Tonight's award recipients, Steve Ross, Dennis Swanson and Coca-Cola, have been consistent promoters of New York City tourism, an industry that is so vital to our city both economically and emotionally.  Their dedication and commitment have helped in our recovery and their optimism about the future of New York is an example worth following.  By supporting the NYC & Company Foundation, they recognize the importance of tourism and its impact on all facets of New York life, and for that, we are most grateful.�

Ms. Nicholas said: �NYC & Company�s second annual Leadership in Tourism Awards celebrate the activities of Steve Ross, Dennis Swanson and Coca-Cola that are helping shape our city now and for years to come.  We honor them because people who contribute to New York City�s tourism industry don�t only support the events and institutions that make this city so great, they support jobs, taxes and the resulting city services.  We thank Steve, Dennis and Coca-Cola for joining us this evening to further the important work of the NYC & Company Foundation, which supports events such as CultureFest, Broadway Under the Stars and Insider�s Hour.  Tourism is a mainstay of our city�s economy and it�s thanks to leaders such as this evening�s honorees that we�re going to emerge from these trying economic times stronger than ever.�

The Honorees: 

Steve Ross is the founder, chairman, CEO and managing general partner of the Related Companies, L.P., one of the most prominent developers in New York City.  His newest project, the AOL Time Warner Center, is a landmark mixed-use development located on Columbus Circle that will change the face of New York City tourism and define a neighborhood.  In addition to serving as the new worldwide headquarters for the world�s largest media company, the center will house Jazz at Lincoln Center, a luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel, some of the world�s finest chef-owned restaurants, premiere retail space and luxury accommodations.  This 2.1 million square foot, $1.7 billion development is scheduled to open in 2003.

Dennis Swanson is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Viacom Television Station Group and has been a supporter of New York City tourism and NYC & Company�s efforts throughout his long and successful television career.  Mr. Swanson�s generous commitment of countless hours of programming time in the aftermath of September 11 helped NYC & Company send the critical message to viewers throughout the country that New York City was on the mend, and that it was coming back stronger than ever.  His dedication to and support of New York City tourism is reflected in his numerous board commitments which, in addition to serving on the NYC & Company Executive Committee, include serving on the Board of NYC 2012, the organization working to bring the Olympic Games to New York City in 2012.

The Coca-Cola Company is being honored for its timely and powerful support of the New York City tourism industry, beginning in the aftermath of the events of September 11.  In late 2001, Coca-Cola signed on to sponsor several high-profile New York City tourism promotions including Restaurant Week, the Paint the Town winter promotion and the To Do: NYC Summer �02 promotion.  When the prospects for New York City�s meeting and conference industry looked most bleak, The Coca-Cola Company then set an example by bringing its annual shareowner meeting to New York City for the first time in company history in April 2002.  In addition to sending a strong message to corporate America that it was time to support New York, Coca-Cola�s decision also resulted in an immediate economic impact from shareowners and executives staying at hotels, visiting restaurants, shopping and generally enjoying the best New York City has to offer.  Accepting the award on behalf of The Coca-Cola Company is Jeffrey T. Dunn, president and COO of Coca-Cola North America.

Last year, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani received the first NYC & Company Leadership in Tourism Award.  The annual awards are presented by the NYC & Company Foundation, whose mission is to support and promote New York City by encouraging tourism and the organizations that make visiting New York a special and exciting experience.  The NYC & Company Foundation has created and implemented popular events and programs including Insider�s Hour, CultureFest and Broadway Under the Stars.

About NYC & Company: 
NYC & Company, the city's official tourism marketing organization, is a private, non-profit membership group dedicated to building New York City's economy and positive image through tourism and convention development, major events and the marketing of the city on a worldwide basis.  For more information, visit www.nycvisit.com <http://www.nycvisit.com> or call 212-484-1200.

About the NYC & Company Foundation:
NYC & Company Foundation is a charitable and educational organization whose mission is to support and promote New York City by encouraging tourism and the organizations that make visiting New York a special and exciting experience and by enhancing the city�s positive image domestically and internationally.