As we wrap up 2021, we look back at a year full of challenges, but also a time with many green shoots of growth—the return of Broadway, the return of international travelers, the return of New York City tourism. Even in the context of the Omicron variant, there remains plenty of supporting data indicating an ongoing return for New York City. Despite the high-profile Broadway cancellations of the last few days, and the early end of the Rockettes's run, a look at the Broadway League's new resource for schedules shows the majority of shows going forward as planned. (And grosses have been up, while capacity holds steady.)

In tandem with the reopening of U.S. borders to international travelers, New York City sees another sure sign of tourism’s return with new print versions of New York’s Original City Guide magazine. The new editions coincide with City Guide’s 40th anniversary, a run that has seen the publication become the largest and most widely distributed tourist magazine in the biggest city in the nation. In a media environment that has seen so many publications turn to digital-only or shutter altogether, the resilience of City Guide’s print presence is all the more impressive.

Covid cases are plunging in NYC. Headlines like "Here Comes the Travel Boom" are everywhere. Delta reports a 450% surge in international bookings. Tourism research firms have shaved a year off the rebound timeline in their latest forecasts—U.S. hotels could be fully recovered by next year. At City Guide we certainly think so, and we're backing that with our newly redesigned magazines hitting the city next week.

Although the Delta variant's impact on the economy is drawing most of the headlines, it's worth noting the good news for New York that's out there as well. The city will not be competing with European destinations in light of new international restrictions. On the domestic front, the number one fall destination for Airbnb searchers? That would be New York City. NYC will be ready to greet these visitors—many coming for longer stretches than usual—as reopening news continues to post.

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).

The city is coming back quickly, to the point where things like hover drones above Times Square seem once again to be just another part of the city's fabric. Nationally, the TSA set another passenger screening record last weekend. AAA forecasts travel volumes around July 4th will approach the record highs set in 2019. As the nation and city bounce back, we see more and more openings and returns.

The New York tourism industry took a hit last year, as travel did nearly everywhere else. The pandemic meant that it was useless to visit New York since virtually all of the restaurants, bars, and other venues had to close down for safety reasons. It’s a new year, though, and the vaccine distribution has reopened New York City to the public. Not every single restriction is gone, but you can go there now and see many of the sights and experience the cultural opportunities this amazing metropolis provides. If you visit New York, you must take some precautions to stay safe. Here are our top tips for NYC visitors in 2021.

One of the things that bring Australians together is good meals. New York hosts a range of Australian cafes where homesick Australian students—and anyone looking for some warmth and refreshment—can find refreshment. These can also be great places for students looking to take care of some schoolwork.

Go behind the scenes of New York's most intriguing spots with the new Behind The Experience video series. This week you'll get an insider look at Times Square’s iconic Madame Tussauds New York. How do the figures get made? How far will the team go to get the anatomy exactly right—like in a hidden spot on Priyanka Chopra Jonas's body?

Hibernations are ending in NYC. We're seeing green shoots of growth both figurative and literal, including openings and reopenings of Frick Madison, Balthazar, Intrepid, Circle Line, Film Forum, and the Loeb Boathouse.

Another week brings some major stories—no in-person ball drop for New Year's, no Met Opera season—and also several opportunities for rebirth. Indoor dining is back today. New York's outdoor restaurant program will be made permanent and new rules will make cooler-weather dining easier. Continuing innovation will get us out of this—read on for more links of interest.

Looking for somewhere to go with your dog in NYC? Here are some dog-friendly businesses in NYC that are open and ready for your dog’s and your visit!

To indulge yourself or someone else with a luxury experience, there's no place better than New York City. Here are eight ways to mark a special day worthy of the splurge!

Staying in Midtown East? You and your family have some great sightseeing ahead—even before you hit Times Square! This area has some historic architecture, escape adventures, a fantastic museum, and a veritable candy palace. Explore it with your kids with these fun-filled activities in New York City.

Manhattan has its fair share of museums, but if you take a step out of New York’s primary borough, there is plenty of culture yet to uncover. See the oldest building in the city, an acclaimed botanical garden, and an exciting new film screening among these eight institutions to check out in Brooklyn, Staten Island, The Bronx, and Queens.