These destination management companies will make any trip to the City unforgettable.
By Rachael Roth
New York City’s inherent grandeur makes it an ideal destination for the luxury market, as modern skyscrapers, storied architectural gems and riverfront vistas set the stage for incomparable experiences.
New York City Tourism + Conventions partners with destination management companies (DMCs) that design highly customizable experiences and provide access to renowned art institutions, chef-driven tasting menus, five-star hotels, luxury flagships and enviable seats at prime sports events, making an otherwise crowded city feel like your client's alone.
Here, read profiles of New York City finest DMCs to help inspire you to craft memorable experiences for your clients, and see a list of our member DMCs below that will make your client’s next visit to New York City unforgettable.
Courtesy, Lotte New York Palace
Beyond Times Square (BTSQ) has served the luxury market for over 21 years. They’ve worked with more than 100,000 luxury travel advisors and partner with hundreds of the City’s top-tier venues. Their completely customizable experiences span the full length of your client’s stay, from the moment they land to when they depart, with 24/7 phone support for clients while they are in the City. The staff and tour guides are LGBTQ+-friendly.
On top of their New York City offerings, you can add full- or half-day experiences to enrich itineraries, and all multiday experiences can be customized to accommodate clients’ interests and budgets. For an additional fee, BTSQ can work with you to design an experience from scratch, depending on availability.
Recently, BTSQ curated a trip for a multigenerational family of six. The guests were first-time visitors who sought a once-in-a-lifetime experience that catered to the interests of everyone in the group. BTSQ delivered, arranging a four-night stay at The Pierre with a special welcome gift upon arrival; dinner at Eleven Madison Park; a private sunset cruise of the New York Harbor for an anniversary celebration (complete with a decorated cabin and cake); a private art tour of The Met and the Museum of Arts and Design with an art historian; and a fun tour for kids. Private vehicle transfers took the family to and from each location, with separate cars for kids and grandparents when needed so each could pursue their itineraries of choice.
To get the most out of each visit and guarantee access to sought-after destinations and experiences, you should book early, though the DMC has accommodated last-minute bookings as little as three days in advance.
Their most popular prepackaged itinerary is the Exclusive NYC Thanksgiving Experience including special access to parade-viewing parties, with the option of a four-night stay at the New York Marriott Marquis or Lotte New York Palace. This package can include a private Thanksgiving Balloon Inflation Tour, a Broadway show, seats at the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and restaurant-reservation concierge service. The NYC Christmas Magic Multiday Holiday Experience is equally popular and can include a private Home Alone 2–inspired tour, where your clients are chauffeured in a luxury vehicle from anywhere in Manhattan to destinations featured in the film, like The Plaza Hotel and FAO Schwarz.
Central Park. Courtesy, The Timelapse Company
Founded in 1990, this destination and event management company provides creative, comprehensive New York City experiences to travel advisors seeking exclusive opportunities for luxury clientele. The group boasts multilingual, multinational staff whose awareness of cultural nuances is critical to providing travelers from all over the world seamless trips to the five boroughs. They encourage you to dream big, with customized experiences around sporting events, concerts, Broadway shows and other bucket-list items.
“For us, luxury means the quality of our service, the quality of the places and, most importantly, is about making the luxury travelers feel like they have been pampered,” says Karen Shackman, President of The Shackman Group. Itineraries can span multiple days, with team members accompanying guests every step of the way to guarantee ideal experiences.
“It's really about making sure that we are hitting all the emotional touchpoints that the client is looking for,” Shackman says. The Shackman Group has conceived and produced a wide variety of bespoke luxury experiences including a private retail shopping takeover with local, specifically selected, high-end designers; hands-on experiences with special access to top-tier and world renowned chefs; and fireside chats with Broadway performers. For an immersive NYC adventure, bike into Central Park for a “scavenger hunt” with pop-up culinary moments and other surprises.
The Shackman Group makes it possible for returning travelers to have unique trips every time they come to the City. If they’ve hit the major attractions in the past, itineraries can take them further into neighborhoods across the five boroughs for specialized experiences. For example, they’ve arranged private gospel sessions in Harlem and rooftop yoga sessions at sunrise.
Above all, The Shackman Group is powered by a deep appreciation for New York City. Shackman refers to the City as an ever-changing canvas, continually looking for new avenues to create memorable visits. “We always talk about the energy here. There is something that grabs you,” she says.
Contact: Karen Shackman, President & Founder, dmc@shackmanny.com
Courtesy, The Metropolitan Opera House
Having been in business for 44 years, RMP Travel has built a portfolio of trusted partners in the luxury sector. RMP Travel offers completely customized programs for travel advisors, with special attention to cultural nuances, demographics and interests. The organization acts as a true partner in designing and executing itineraries, with 24/7 availability throughout your client's stay.
They specialize in the iconic to the unique, with tours that take your clients to Michelin-starred restaurants across New York City where they’ll receive VIP treatment, and personalized special interest tours (like the Haunted Paranormal Tour led by a psychic and an insider tour of NYC’s Diamond District).
Experiences can include a four- or five-night stay at a luxury Manhattan hotel, yacht cruises, private tours of Manhattan’s most iconic attractions in a luxury vehicle, fast access (no lines) to sought-after destinations like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and private, docent-led tours of museums like Frick Madison, The Met and the Museum of Broadway. RMP Travel can secure premium tickets and VIP experiences to sporting events like the US Open and cultural institutions like Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet. Shopping sprees at high-end retailers on Fifth Avenue and in Soho, as well as spa and wellness retreats, allow visitors a less structured opportunity to luxuriate.
For theater lovers, RMP Travel arranges VIP Broadway experiences, including access to performers of their choice from any Broadway show. This includes anything from backstage tours and private dance or singing lessons to meet and greets and private performances.
Themed experiences can also be arranged, whether clients are interested in fashion, architecture, music or cocktails (think: private classes with New York’s best mixologists and a tour of hidden speakeasies).
For off-the-beaten-path adventures, clients can opt for a private food tour in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Greenwich Village, led by an expert. RMP also offers a Secrets of NYC Tour to less-traversed and forgotten places: cemeteries, hidden alleys and Revolutionary War landmarks.
Contact: Suzi Steiger, owner, suzi.steiger@rmptvl.com
Courtesy, The Blue Box Café
With more than 40 years of experience, 360 Destination Group has the contacts and experience to craft remarkable itineraries. They specialize in transforming your clients' trips into unforgettable moments. From meticulously handling all the details to crafting unique travel concepts that resonate with your clients' individual preferences, they ensure that your clients' visits feel like one-of-a-kind affairs. Whether it's an exclusive VIP Super Bowl experience, a captivating carnival-themed private dinner or a vibrant Latin nightclub outing, 360 Destination Group has mastered the art of creating trips that center around your clients' desires.
One standout curated experience includes breakfast at The Blue Box Café at Tiffany’s coupled with a behind-the-scenes tour, luxury vehicle transfer to a historic Broadway theater, followed by lunch with Broadway performers. The team can provide professional hair and makeup for guests back at their hotel to get them ready for a private Michelin dinner with a celebrity chef.
Contact: Michaela Foley, Director of Sales, New York, 360 Destination Group, michaela.foley@360dg.com
Ellis Island. Photo: Julienne Schaer
This majority women-owned DMC has been in the business for more than 50 years and has a roster of high-profile clients. In 2023, they were named one of the fastest-growing companies in America by Inc. 5000. Access DMC offers unique activities throughout the City; they collaborate on shared experiences, giving your clients the opportunity to both inspire and be inspired, and create partnerships with luxury travel advisors to deliver clients the experience of a lifetime.
For one long-standing client, they created a high-end celebration at Ellis Island. They transported guests via a bus ride that included character actors telling the history of Ellis Island and then via a ferry hosted by a historian to share fun facts and point out important monuments along the way. Guests arrived at the well-appointed venue, replete with on-theme linens, florals and installations, featuring a live band; activities and activations, including silhouette painters and glass-etch artists; and a surprise fireworks show to cap the evening.
Contact: Taylor Stuart, Sales Manager, Access DMC, taylor.stuart@accessdmc.com
As a leader in the US inbound market for over 65 years, AlliedTPro has developed an impeccable reputation for creating customized experiences for luxury travel advisors. Their VIP Concierge service is dedicated to meeting the needs of the luxury and lifestyle-conscious traveler, providing customized, innovative itineraries and high-touch customer service, with quality and authenticity always remaining paramount.
One sample experience is an exclusive photography journey through NYC. Your clients will refine their skills and define their styles under the guidance of top industry professionals. From mastering various photography genres to being equipped with state-of-the-art gear, this immersive experience promises to elevate your clients' technique and creative vision, ensuring unforgettable captures of the City's essence.
Contact: Sanya Hamilton, VP of Sales, AlliedTPro, sanya.hamilton@alliedtpro.com
Having been in operation for 24 years, Swargo Events draws from a wealth of insider NYC knowledge and long-standing vendor relationships to ensure memorable luxury city experiences. They offer custom-tailored dining, full-service transportation and innovative activities and tours. Their goal is to tailor every experience to the individual preferences of each luxury client, striving to add uniquely personal elements to adventures that cannot be found anywhere else.
One sample experience will allow your clients to enjoy private Broadway performances. Following a private transfer from the airport to their luxury hotel, your clients will be whisked to a renowned venue like the Players Club, where they will enjoy a meal and a performance by Broadway headliners like Tony Award winner Lillias White (Dreamgirls, Cats, Chicago), Christopher Sieber (Spamalot, The Prom) or Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, TV's Smash). The stars will also share stories and mingle with clients. Other options include a talkback session with a Broadway producer like Tom Kirdahy (producer of 13 Broadway shows, including Hadestown) or famed fashion designer and costumer Bob Mackie.
Contact: info@swargoevents.com
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