This week's game changers for NYC include the swearing in of Governor Kathy Hochul and along with it prospects for increased NYC sway in the capital—and more cooperation between city and state leaders (admittedly the last eight years have set a low bar). The FDA's decision to provide full approval of the Pfizer vaccine, moved up from Labor Day and expected to facilitate more mandates, will hopefully tamp down case loads and increase traveler confidence. The Mermaid Parade and the West Indian Day Parade have been cancelled for this year, but there is still plenty going on.

It's getting hard to keep up. With the city's COVID infection rate below 2% and falling fast, reopening announcements are piling up, and Broadway is leading the pack. Hamilton. Lion King. Wicked. All back September 14th. Tickets on sale today. Capacity will be 100%. And further premieres and returns are close behind, including Broadway's longest-runner The Phantom of the Opera. Dr. Fauci has announced that, as vaccinations increase, relaxation of indoor mask requirements will follow. Broadway's return will change the city's dynamic for tourism dramatically. The savvy move of offering vaccinations to visitors will further help the travel market.