The Muppets Named New York City's Official Family Ambassadors
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Muppets are taking Manhattan, again!
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has recruited Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, Pepe the King Prawn and the rest of the gang as family ambassadors this year in his campaign to bring more visitors to the city.
"The Muppets believe in dreaming big – just like New Yorkers," Bloomberg said. "Extending the NYC Family Ambassador program beyond the summer and for the entire year will aid us in attracting more family visitors year round and therefore help us reach our goal of attracting 55 million visitors to New York City annually by 2015."
1010 WINS' Stan Brooks reports
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The Muppets will encourage families to travel to the Big Apple to dine, shop and play.
"I've loved New York ever since I arrived in its harbor and saw that the Statue of Liberty is green. What a welcome!" said Kermit the Frog.
On the city's website, the Muppets will share their favorite things to do in the city; Miss Piggy will offer the best shopping spots, Kermit the Frog will help visitors get around the five boroughs, and Swedish Chef will share his favorite foods.
Last year, 15 million family visitors contributed about $14 million to the city's economy.
Since the Family Ambassador program started three years ago, family visitation has increased by nearly 15 percent, officials said.
The Muppets are the fourth Family Ambassadors. Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer and The Smurfs also had the honor.
