There seem to be no slow news weeks anymore, and this week is no exception, with major policy changes about to impact NYC. The city is creating a new “Key to NYC Pass” health pass to provide the proof of vaccination that's soon to be required for gyms, performances, and indoor dining. That's on top of the Broadway announcement that vax and mask will be required at least through October 31st. With no citywide mask mandate imminent, the net of all this may be a positive for tourists, who may feel more comfortable with the city increasing its commitment to vaccinations and safety. The CDC just added a bundle of new countries to its avoid travel list, which may boost domestic travel as well. Other reopening news includes:
- The Skyscraper Museum is back, with free admission through January
- The Russian Tea Room is fully open, including Business Express Lunches, Afternoon Tea, and a 94th Anniversary Special Champagne & Caviar menu
- Little Island to host new “NYC Free” Festival with concerts starting August 11th
- Step in, stand clear: New York Transit Museum reopening August 14th
- Brooklyn Bowl is back September 8th
- New York City Ballet is returning, with opening night slated for September 21st
- The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show returns for a 30th year, November 20th (a color and light show is also taking over the grounds)
- MSG Entertainment announces the return of Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas the Night Before..., December 9th-27th (we've got all the latest Broadway and Off Broadway dates here)
The U.S. economy has now expanded beyond its prepandemic size. Hotel occupancy is the highest it's been since October, 2019. American Express Travel records bookings at 95% of 2019 levels. Looking to the experiences of other countries, a quick drop in Delta's contagion rates is a probable scenario. City Guide is confident that the bulk of the evidence points to a sustained recovery—coming soon.
Afternoon Tea returns to NYC icon The Russian Tea Room.
LINKS OF INTEREST
NYC
- Tudor and Rolex open adjoining boutiques in the Meatpacking
- St. Mark’s Comics reborn in Brooklyn's Industry City
- Long-anticipated Buddha-Bar opens NYC outpost
- Ace Hotel Brooklyn opens
- Reimagined Smyth Tribeca reopens
- New Jazz Era-inspired The Lexington Hotel now open in Midtown East
- The Row NYC Hotel now open in Times Square
- Empire Outlets announces openings Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse and Nori Sushi
- "Bringing Back Broadway" Part 1
- Ken Davenport's revised look at what Broadway's recovery will look like
- Gawker returns, nearly 5 years later
- Vessel may close permanently
BEYOND NYC
- Business travel poised for early return?
- Hilton CEO not too worried about Delta variant and travel's return
- Marriott sees big profits, driven by China and the U.S. (occupancy and rates jumped)
New renderings of the Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the World Trade Center complex have been released. © Luxigon.
THIS WEEK’S DATA FROM EVERYTHING TO DO FACEBOOK GROUP
Looking for on-the-round reporting about the city? Everything To Do NYC Facebook Group brings together 45,000 city superfans sharing what they're experiencing around town. Safety remains a concern and we polled the group this week to get a sense of life with the Delta variant. Respondents came out strongly in favor of getting out there, with 77% reporting comfort with attending outdoor shows this summer. ETD provides a great forum to get a read on what tourists and locals are thinking, in addition to be a great place to market your venue. If you're not a member yet, join us.