GNCVB hosts partnership breakfast celebrating United Airlines’ feature

by Liz Alterman | For Jersey's Best

For the past decade, residents of the Garden State and its surrounding areas have been admiring Newark’s burgeoning renaissance. Now, the Brick City’s revival is garnering international attention.

On March 6, elected officials, executives from United Airlines, community business owners, and others came together to celebrate the city’s resurgence at a breakfast at Nico Bar + Kitchen, located inside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

The event honored the partnership established between the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau (GNCVB) and United Airlines, which highlighted Newark in the March issue of its in-flight magazine Hemispheres.

With a reach of nearly 12 million readers, United selected Newark as the subject of its signature series: “Three Perfect Days.” The Newark Public Library’s stunning interior graces the cover, while, inside, travelers can read about architectural wonders like the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and thriving small businesses such as GlassRoots, Hobby’s Deli, All Points West Distillery, Black Swan Espresso, Jimenez Tobacco, and more. Cultural meccas including NJPAC, the Newark Museum, and the Prudential Center were also featured.

Ricardo Salazar, vice president of sales and marketing for the GNCVB, said the breakfast was “well-attended and well-received.”

“The executive director of New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, Jeffrey Vasser, came, and he spoke,” Salazar said. “Jill Kaplan, (president New York /New Jersey) for United Airlines spoke about the collaboration necessary to make this happen. Ellen Carpenter, editor in chief of Hemispheres, was also there, and it’s all because Newark is being recognized as a real destination. United realized that Newark has been on everyone’s lips since the conversation began about Newark being chosen as one of finalists for the Amazon HQ2 location. Everyone is starting to recognize that Newark’s narrative is changing.”

In addition to the Hemispheres cover story, United also created a video hosted by Newark-based artists and influencers Chrissy Bright, Marcy DePina, and Kitab Rollins who took viewers on a virtual stroll through their favorite spots. Guests at Wednesday’s breakfast had a chance to watch the video and meet with the hosts, who were in attendance.

Salazar noted that one of his favorite moments from the event was when GNCVB CEO and President Karin Aaron said, “Newark is not just an airport, and it’s not a bus stop either.”

“When you read the story and ask yourself, ‘Would I want to visit Newark?’ The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’” Salazar said. “That’s because we all worked together to make sure the city was well-represented and the evidence is right there.” 

What’s Next?
The event also provided an opportunity to spotlight other exciting initiatives that shine a spotlight on Newark. Salazar explained that Newark’s first official visitors’ guide is now available at Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark Penn Station, and rest stops on the Garden State Parkway.

Proving it’s so much more than a travel hub, Newark’s rich history will be exhibited at Newark airport starting next week. ‘This Is Newark’ display cases will present the city’s 353-year contribution to a number of industries, including entertainment, history, arts, innovation and sports.

“Prominent Newark natives such as Shaquille O’Neal and the late great Whitney Houston have dominated the sports, media, and music industries, respectively,” Jones said. “In addition, Olympic medalist Shakur Stevenson is a boxing star on his way to stardom.”

Newark Liberty International Airport will also be home to the ‘Yes, Newark’ campaign, which consists of five billboards that pay homage to some of the city’s top attractions. The billboards, featuring The Prudential Center, NJPAC, Newark Museum, Branch Brook Park’s Cherry Blossoms, and Newark’s many tempting culinary creations, were on display at the March 6 event.

“The event and the response to the Hemispheres’ story and everything else that’s happening has been overwhelmingly positive,” Salazar said. “The breakfast also gave us a chance to unveil our new website so visitors can see all Newark has to offer.”

For more information, visit Newark Happening’s website.
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