The Chamber partners with NYC groups to launch “2026 Summer of Opportunity Coalition”
The task force will maximize the impact of New York City's 2026 summer events, including the FIFA World Cup and 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
NEW YORK, NY – July 10, 2025 – As New York City prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next summer, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has partnered with several groups across New York City to launch the 2026 Summer of Opportunity Coalition. The Coalition aims to maximize the economic impact of these events, which are estimated to generate more than $2 billion and attract 1M visitors, by encouraging tourism across all five boroughs and ensuring that local businesses benefit from them.
The 2026 Summer of Opportunity Coalition consists of local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and business improvement districts, including:
- Alliance for Downtown New York
- Bronx Chamber of Commerce
- Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
- CitizensNYC
- Hotel Association of New York City
- Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance
- Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
- Meatpacking District Management Association
- NYC Hospitality Alliance
- Queens Chamber of Commerce
- Regional Plan Association
- Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
- Times Square Alliance
“Next summer will bring significant events to the U.S. and unprecedented opportunity for economic growth across the five boroughs in New York City, as the FIFA World Cup alone estimates to attract more than one million visitors in the New York metropolitan area,” said Jessica Walker, President & CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal in forming the Coalition is to maximize the economic impact of these events by encouraging tourists to explore everything our diverse business community has to offer while they’re visiting the city.”
The 2026 Summer of Opportunity Coalition is focused on supporting local businesses, by providing business owners with programs and resources to prepare for the influx of new visitors, from guidance on staffing to language services and training on cultural sensitivity. The Coalition will also amplify the city’s marketing campaigns throughout the boroughs to draw visitors to diverse attractions and commercial corridors in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Visitors can also expect guidance on navigation and access to information, supported by clear signage and multilingual support. For international travelers, the Coalition is committed to fostering an atmosphere of hospitality that extends beyond the event period, creating a vibrant, inclusive experience for all.
The Coalition will meet regularly over the coming months to coordinate efforts and ensure lasting benefits for New York City businesses and communities. To ensure alignment and bolster efforts wherever possible, the 2026 Summer of Opportunity Coalition will partner with city officials, the official FIFA Host Committee, and other key stakeholders.