Google tools offer exploration of New York

The New York City tourist board has teamed up with internet giant Google to offer some new facilities for visitors to the US destination.

At nycgo.com, the official resource for the experiences and sights on offer in New York, Google Maps now provides guides to hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues in the city, as well as information on promotions and special offers.

Users of the site can also find directions to major attractions in the city and even have them sent to their mobile phones.

Another feature of the cooperation between the New York tourist board and Google is the new tourist information centre at 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd streets.

The centre boasts interactive map tables powered by Google Maps, allowing visitors to create personalised itineraries to their destinations of choice, which can be printed, emailed or sent to mobile devices.

A giant video wall is also based at the centre which uses Google Earth to display a 3D model of New York City to help tourists plan their trips.

Writing in a blog on the Google website, city mayor Michael Bloomberg said the high-tech offerings will "make it easier for both visitors and residents to explore all the energy, excitement and diversity of New York City's five boroughs".

Posted by Penny, 23 January 2009 13:31

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• New York