New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and London Mayor Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday a two-year tourism agreement to boost travel between the two cities.

The cities will provide each other with outdoor media advertising space, and NYC & Company and Visit London, their respective tourism arms, will share best practices as a way to maximize travel between the two destinations and will assist each other with at least one publicity event in each city.

"Now more than ever, as we work to limit the effects of the ongoing global financial downturn, it is important to find new ways to grow a diverse array of economic sectors, and tourism is among the most important for New York City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New York City and London, both significant sources of overseas travel for each market, can learn a great deal from one other and we will work together to highlight each other's strengths and remain leading global cities."

"London and New York City share many similarities, including a strong sense of optimism and determination, along with a great appreciation for diversity and innovation," said Mayor Johnson.

Under the two year tourism agreement New York City will exchange 71 bus shelters with London that will run in New York City for 4 weeks per year.

In return, London will exchange 250 posters for four weeks on the London Underground system twice per year.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2009)