This week we're confronting the E.U.'s decision to drop the U.S. from its list of COVID-safe countries for travel. Strictly taking a tourism point of view, New York becomes an even stronger attraction for those seeking European lures without enduring passport control. The word is getting out about New York's commitment to safety, too—a round-up of top Labor Day destinations includes NYC at #5 thanks to our vaccine requirements (the Washington Post called us out as well for being a safe option). Openings and programming continue to expand, including:
- The Apollo Theater has returned to live programming
- Project Gaia NYC has opened a new retail location for stylish, sustainable design in the Seaport District
- The 42nd St. and 50th St. Applebee's are both re-opened and serving from 9am-midnight daily
- Running brand Hoka One One opens first retail location today with Flatiron pop-up
- Stumpy’s Hatchet House is opening its first New York location at Brooklyn's Industry City tomorrow
- Flushing Town Hall bringing in larger audiences for fall season starting September 8th
- Fall Arts Week on Governors Island to run September 8th-13th
- SPRING/BREAK Art Show comes to Midtown East, September 8th-13th...
- ...as part of The Armory Show, which is at the Javits from September 9th-12th
- All-new immersive James Bond exhibition with projection-mapping and larger-than-life installations, opening at SPYSCAPE September 9th
- Brooklyn Public Library launches a fourth semester of free classes with University Open Air, starting September 9th and running for two weeks
- SohoJohnny Productions presents 9/11 Let Me Help, Inc Grand Celebrity Benefit Music & Fashion Gala Concert on September 11th
- The Photoville festival turns 10 with Photoville NYC 2021, bringing 75 exhibitions to all five boroughs, September 18th-December 1st
The Delta variant has tended to take a V-shaped pattern and there's evidence U.S. airlines have already passed through the worst of it. Restaurant data further suggests that post-surge, consumers return quickly. As we move into September we remain confident in the strength of the city, as underscored by the enthusiasm on display at Monday night's tourism industry gathering.
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Official hotel partner of the US Open, IHG Hotels & Resorts, unveils "Tennis in Wonderland" room installation at Kimpton Hotel Eventi.
LINKS OF INTEREST
NYC
- Updated Broadway and Off Broadway dates and news
- Broadway League inspires theatergoers to return with new "This Is Broadway" video
- What it's like to go back to Broadway
- NYC named best U.S. city to visit with kids
- The Washington Post recommends NYC vacations
- Farewell, Elmo? New law would restrict space for Times Square mascots, vendors
- New Atlantic League minor league team to bring baseball back to Staten Island
- NYC TV production is back up to pre-pandemic levels
- NYC apartment rentals are at a fever pitch
- Bklyner to end publication September 10th
- Vogue's take on NYC's best hotels
- Park Lane New York and Pendry Manhattan West to open in September; October brings Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea, Henn na Hotel New York, and the Hotel Central Times Square; Theater District adds Civilian NYC in November
BEYOND NYC
- Vaccine requirements could convince more than one-fourth of unvaccinated sports fans and concertgoers to get the shot
- A return to expertise: renaissance in interest in travel planners
- How Americans are planning to travel for Labor Day
- What travelers are planning for the rest of 2021
- Rising trends in business travel
ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS HIGHLIGHTS “NYC TOURISM IS BACK” GATHERING AHEAD OF BROADWAY’S RETURN
Photos by Frank Rocco.
The city's tourism industry came together Monday night for the "NYC Tourism Is Back, Start Spreading Your News" cocktail reception. City Guide and One World Observatory hosted more than 300 guests, following the latest safety protocols. The evening's special guest was André De Shields, the Tony- and Grammy-winning actor who is just ahead of his return tomorrow to Broadway in Hadestown. De Shields serenaded the crowd while amplifying the room’s excitement about the return of Broadway and the broader return of tourism and NYC life.
David Miller, Davler Media CEO, said “It was gratifying seeing so many colleagues in person after too many months of being apart. New Yorkers know the city works best when we all come together. Our tourism community is strong and our city is resilient. The electric atmosphere last night really confirms it.”
Beneficiaries of the evening were The Actors Fund, the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges Charitable Fund, and the Hotel Association of NYC Foundation.
Feedback from guests consistently referred to the professionalism and hospitality of the One World Observatory staff. The setting was spectacular, with a dramatic sunset over the Hudson. In a fitting moment, guests got to see the lights of the city flicker back to life. The perspective, from the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, provided a perfect context for the beginning of the return of New York City as the number one tourist destination in the nation.
To see the pictures from Monday night, check out this video slide show. We've also got the photos posted to an album on the NYC Tourism Industry Professionals (NYC TIP).
City Guide also gives special thanks to the sponsors, who not only made the event possible, but also provided the opportunity to support three charities.
EVERYTHING TO DO FACEBOOK GROUP CROSSES 50,000 MEMBERS!
City Guide's Everything To Do NYC Facebook Group hit a milestone as the group added its 50,000th member. The membership is involved, too, with 70% active at any given time, and individual posts with reaches of 10,000 or more not uncommon. We are seeing posts with hundreds of comments on them, keeping members informed, sharing tips, and dispelling misinformation about New York City travel. The group provides an excellent first-hand market research opportunity to get a feel for what's happening with restaurants, theatre, and observatories. It's the easiest way to get the pulse of NYC tourism. (The group is also continuing to expand—in just a few days we've blown past 50,000 and are working our way to 60K.) If you're not a member yet, join us!
