Commercial feature – Increasing numbers of UK city breakers are considering cheap hotels in New York now that summer has drawn to a close, with the Big Apple famed for its exciting and atmospheric build up to Christmas.

According to Skyscanner, searches for flights to New York, a city that accommodates a wealth of luxury and budget hotels, rocketed among British tourists in September; with many thinking ahead to their festive shopping plans.

While increasing numbers of us are considering travelling to the US’s biggest city, it appears that large numbers have already made the journey across the Atlantic this year. According to NYC Go, some 23.5 million people have visited New York in 2010, which represents an 8.75 per cent increase from the same period in 2009.

The organisation has predicted that 47.5 million tourists will have made the journey by the end of 2010, a total that would be 4.2 per cent greater than last year and a new record. By the end of 2012, the city hopes to attract 50 million annual visitors.

So, why are so many people arranging stays in New York hotels? While the lead in to Christmas is an obvious selling point, there’s one other holiday that precedes it, and in no other city in the World is it celebrated so much: Halloween.

The Big Apple’s largest spook-themed event is the Village Halloween Parade, which is entering its 37th year. Starting at 19:00 on October 31st, thousands of New Yorkers will don scary costumes and walk north on Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 21st Street. Expected to attract two million spectators, the Village Halloween Parade will also feature music and dancers, with passers-by encouraged to get involved to make the event as frightening as possible!

If you fancy visiting a new take on the traditional house of horrors, you may wish to visit Lower East side’s Steampunk Haunted House at the Abrons Art Center. Featuring mechanical monsters, cyborgs donning corsets and science fiction-inspired contraptions, this haunted house has utilised the best performance art and contemporary installation techniques.

Elsewhere, the American Museum of Natural History will put on its 15th annual Halloween Celebration from 14:00 to 17:00 on October 31st. Kids can be entertained by searching for Halloween-themed treats through the dinosaurs and elephants, while visitors can also take part in arts and craft activities.

If it’s an aquatic theme you’re after, those staying in USA hotels can visit Brooklyn’s New York Aquarium, which is hosting its yearly Halloween at the Ascarium event every weekend in October.

With so much going on, it’s easy to forget about Christmas completely. It’s only a matter of weeks away, however, and there’s probably nowhere on Earth as famous for its Christmas Shopping possibilities as New York City. Aside from shopping though, what other treats can city breakers look forward to during holiday season?

One of the most popular attractions is the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. Beginning with a tree-lighting ceremony on November 30th, the festive LED lights, which are topped with a Swarovski crystal star, remain on show until the beginning of January. If you’re staying in luxury hotels with a loved one, this is something you really shouldn’t miss.

Head over to the quieter borough of Staten Island to take advantage of its candlelit tours, which get underway on Sunday, December 11th. Visitors will be able to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and experience the sights and sounds of Historic Richmond Town, which will be lit by candles, oil lamps and roaring fireplaces for the occasion.

George Fertitta, NYC & Company’s chief executive officer said that there is “no better time” to experience New York City’s five boroughs than during the annual holiday season.

“Each year the City opens its arms and welcomes visitors to experience some of the world’s most stunning holiday decorations, events and entertainment,” he commented. “This year will be another opportunity to enjoy the City’s unique energy, excitement and vibrancy.”

With so much going on aside from the obvious tourist attractions, it’s easy to see why record numbers of people are being attracted to New York. The city’s tourism sector has grown to become the Big Apple’s fifth-largest industry, with approximately $30 million spent across New York City’s five boroughs every year.

According to NYC Go’s figures, the average New York hotel occupancy rate was 6.8 per cent greater between January and June this year than the corresponding period in 2009. In addition, a staggering one million more hotel room nights were sold during the first half of 2010 compared to the first six months of last year, with hotel tax revenues generating $167 million for the city (a 25 per cent increase from 2009).

In further encouraging figures, New York’s three major airports recorded a 1.2 per cent rise in in-bound traffic during the January to May period, while international arrivals increased by 4.8 per cent. With the recession and subsequent economic uncertainty drawing to a close, it appears that increasing numbers of us are considering New York City breaks, particularly with the onset of autumn.

New York hotels are doing their bit to attract visitors, too. The Royalton, located on West 44th Street, is providing its guests with personalised Apple iPads as part of its concierge service. Perhaps you forgot your New York City guidebook or fell asleep on the plane and didn’t get to read up on things to do beforehand? Well, the iPads feature a wealth of information about things to see and do in the Big Apple, while some handy ‘inside knowledge’ will also be provided.

Traditional hotel services will also be made available through the tablet device such as access to room service, how to access local transport and Internet access. With so many services available at guests’ fingertips, they can look forward to really making the most of their stay in the Big Apple.

There’s no reason to forget about travelling overseas until next summer; with two major holiday seasons coming up, New York is proving a draw for thousands of holiday makers embarking on an autumn or winter city break. Why not join them to see what all the fuss is about?