Curious George Takes New York City

New York City tourism organization NYC & Company has named Curious George as its sixth official NYC Family Ambassador in partnership with NBCUniversal, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and PBS KIDS.

As part of the yearlong collaboration, Curious George will encourage family travel to the city’s five boroughs by highlighting New York City as a family-friendly destination.

“Curious George has brought joy and a love of adventure to millions of children for generations," says Gary Gentel, president, trade and consumer publishing, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "HMH is thrilled that he’ll be welcoming families to New York City, a city that certainly inspires curiosity and exploration. With over 75 million books in print and several engaging apps available worldwide, Curious George promises to be a beloved ambassador.”

Beginning immediately, Curious George will encourage family travel with editorial content that features family friendly activities and destinations for visitors as well as New Yorkers to enjoy. The editorial content includes kid-friendly NYC travel materials; guides to area beaches, zoos, aquariums and museums for children; must-see green spaces such as Central Park and Prospect Park; and more.

NYC & Company is also collaborating with 16 cultural institutions throughout all five boroughs to create and distribute a Curious George activity sheet that encourages kids and parents to use their five senses to explore each attraction and destination. Participating cultural institutions include the Louis Armstrong House Museum, National Museum of the American Indian–NY, New York Botanical Garden, New York Transit Museum and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

Since the launch of the Family Ambassador program in 2009, family visitation to New York City has grown by 26.5 percent and currently comprises 30.8 percent of total visitation to New York City.

“With the help of the Official NYC Family Ambassador, Curious George, we are pleased to welcome even more families to discover the endless urban activities in New York City’s five boroughs,” says Fred Dixon, president and chief executive officer, NYC & Company. “Curious George is a beloved and amiable character known for his adventures, and we look forward to working with him to encourage family travelers to have an enriched vacation experience in New York City.”