NEW YORK.- The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation announced today that the agency, in conjunction with the September 11th Fund, will fund a large scale tourism and marketing campaign to attract visitors to Chinatown.  The campaign will be a creative, effective, and cost efficient tourism and marketing initiative to stimulate regional, national, and international tourism to Chinatown.  The campaign will also identify existing short and long term impediments to tourism in Chinatown, identify current marketing initiatives and methods to improve upon them, and propose solutions to both real and perceived challenges to attracting more visitors to the Chinatown area.  

Governor George Pataki said, ”The Chinatown community was deeply affected by the September 11th attacks, and we continue to be committed to identifying initiatives that will bolster the neighborhood’s economic recovery.   This comprehensive tourism campaign will help put Chinatown back on the map as a local, national, and international attraction for visitors.   There is more work to do, but this program is a significant step forward for the revitalization of Chinatown and for the recovery of all of Lower Manhattan.”

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said, “Chinatown has an abundance of historic and cultural amenities making it one of New York City’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods.  This campaign will be an invaluable tool to inform visitors near and far about the global hub of culture, commerce, and history located in the Chinatown area.”

LMDC Chairman John Whitehead said, "Chinatown is one of New York City’s most important communities, and helping the area regain its economic stability today and its growth in the years ahead is critical to the revitalization of Lower Manhattan."

LMDC President Kevin M. Rampe said, “This comprehensive marketing campaign is a direct response to what we have continuously heard during out outreach to the Chinatown community.  With the support of Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg, LMDC will partner with the September 11th Fund to support a campaign that attracts both resident New Yorkers and tourists to Chinatown for its one of a kind shopping, eating and culture.”

Carol Kellermann, CEO and Executive Director of The September 11th Fund said "Chinatown was profoundly affected by the tragedy, so we’re delighted to be able to coordinate our efforts to help with LMDC.  The September 11th Fund is helping people who need jobs, business support, health insurance, and legal assistance.  But what Chinatown needs most to get back on its feet is visitors.  Visitors who will see that Chinatown is a vibrant, exciting place to dine, will discover great bargains on everything from ceramics to housewares, and who will return with their friends."

The LMDC and the September 11th Fund plan to jointly and equally sponsor this initiative. LMDC will fund up to $1 million.   LMDC, in partnership with the September 11th Fund, will request the services of a team through a Request for Proposals (RFP), to provide tourism and marketing services in connection with the Chinatown area of New York City.  In order to submit a proposal for the campaign, teams must include one or more Lower Manhattan Chinatown based community organizations and a firm with extensive tourism and marketing experience, to provide tourism and marketing services in connection with the Chinatown area of New York City.   The RFP will be issued on August 18, 2003 with the deadline for responses on Monday, September 15, 2003 at 5:00 PM EST.

The September 11th Fund was established the day of the terrorist attacks by The New York Community Trust and United Way of New York City to meet the immediate and long-term needs of victims, families and communities affected by the tragic events of September 11.  The Fund supports organizations and agencies that provide cash assistance, legal counseling, mental health services, job training and placement, and other services for victims, families, and others directly affected.  It also makes grants to assist nonprofits and small businesses as they help communities rebuild.