London Mayor Sadiq Khan Showcases City as Leading Global Destination in New York
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is set to embark on a visit to New York this week to highlight London as a premier location for investment, sporting events, and tourism. Khan’s trip coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, where influential figures gather to discuss pressing global issues such as economic prosperity and climate change.
During his stay in New York, Mayor Khan will engage in meetings with prominent organizations including Accordion, CLA Global, Salesforce, and Thoropass to promote London as a prime destination for business ventures and investments. Additionally, he will emphasize London’s appeal as a top choice for hosting sporting events and attracting tourists from around the world.
London has long been a favored location for US businesses seeking to expand internationally, with New York investing $1.7 billion in London-based climate start-ups and companies last year. Over the past decade, London has emerged as the leading city globally for foreign direct investment from the United States, solidifying its reputation as a hub for international business opportunities.
The strong economic ties between London and New York are further evident in the significant number of visits made between the two cities, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 12 percent in 2023. This increase in travel highlights the enduring appeal of London as a vibrant and dynamic destination for visitors from the US and beyond.
Mayor Khan’s visit to New York comes on the heels of his recent announcement to transform Oxford Street into a pedestrian-friendly avenue, aiming to attract even more tourists to central London. By revitalizing this iconic retail hub, Khan seeks to position London as a leading global destination for shopping and leisure activities.
In addition to promoting London’s business opportunities and tourist appeal, Mayor Khan will meet with senior sporting officials in New York to explore the possibility of bringing more sports events to the city. London has a rich history of hosting major international sporting events, and Khan is committed to further establishing the capital as the premier sports destination globally.
London’s recent summer of music and sports showcased its ability to host large-scale events, with highlights including Taylor Swift’s record-breaking performances at Wembley Stadium and the hosting of major sporting competitions such as Major League Baseball and the Champions League Final. With upcoming events like the BFI London Film Festival, NFL games, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup final, London’s reputation as a sports and entertainment hub continues to grow.
During his time in New York, Mayor Khan will also advocate for decisive action on climate change, emphasizing the role of cities in leading global efforts to address environmental challenges. As Chair of C40 Cities, a network of mayors committed to climate action, Khan will underscore London’s innovative initiatives and plans for a sustainable future, including the ambitious goal of making the city’s rivers swimmable within a decade.
In his capacity as Mayor of London and Chair of C40 Cities, Sadiq Khan will call on global leaders to follow London’s example in prioritizing climate action and turning challenges into opportunities for transformative change. By participating in events such as New York Climate Week and the Climate Pledge Summit, Khan aims to showcase London’s leadership in sustainability and inspire others to adopt similar measures.
Mayor Khan’s visit to New York serves as a testament to London’s status as a thriving global city with diverse opportunities for business, tourism, and sports. As he engages with leaders from around the world, Khan will champion London’s strengths and highlight the city’s commitment to driving positive change on a global scale.
