The big story this morning is the announcement that land borders between Mexico and Canada will reopen to the vaccinated in early November. Canadians historically send more travelers to NYC than any other place save the U.K., and land borders will be easier to cross as no negative Covid test will be required. The Delta variant appears to be waning, with global rates of infection falling. Recovery is not overnight, but the U.S. economy is emerging with consumer sentiment, spending, and employment more resilient than it has been following previous surges. United Airlines's domestic capacity in December will be 91% of what it was in 2019. Their data suggests pent-up demand will be manifesting ahead of the holidays.

It's "a major turning point," in the words of U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. The Biden Administration is finally relaxing the rules that have kept international visitors out of the city for a year and a half. The new requirements are not too onerous—vaccines and a negative Covid test, with exceptions for kids too young to be vaccinated yet. 

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.

New York City was hit early and hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city shut down in March 2020, and in many ways, has remained closed since then. The city is starting to see signs of life once again, however, and it may be the case that 2021 is one of the most compelling times to see the city. The following are some of the biggest reasons to visit New York in 2021.

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.

As much as it may feel like 2021 is picking up right where 2020 left off, we are already in a different world less than two weeks into the year. Disturbing as the violence last week was—and the threat of more to come—we have seen the resilience of our institutions. Vaccines are rolling out across New York City, financial markets are optimistic, and interest in travel inspiration is at a pandemic-era high. Already we are seeing headlines like "The COVID Vaccine Travel Booking Spree Is On."

The U.S. Travel Association is predicting a major turnaround beginning with summer leisure travel. Economists are comparing the broader market conditions today to the early '80s, when a lowering of interest rates produced immediate growth from pent-up demand. Two major extended-stay companies report the pendulum swinging back to cities after a long spate of beach and nature vacations. We are already looking forward to the excitement of a major New York City comeback in 2021.

The vaccine news of the last few days is nothing short of spectacular. Pfizer and Moderna have both developed 95%-effective candidates, and Moderna's has less of a deep freeze requirement, making the logistics side more promising. Accordingly, travel stocks have been shooting up. Less publicized is a recent NYU study showing that hospitalized patients with COVID had a 26% chance of dying in March; that's been cut all the way down to 8% now. The FDA just approved an at-home COVID test. All of it bodes well for continued recovery. 

We are, at least, on the other side of the election. However things play out, at last being able to establish some parameters will allow our city and our industry to plan for recovery. For years we've heard an artificial emphasis on sectors like coal mining. There are 50,000 coal miners in the U.S. Tourism accounts for six times as many jobs—in New York City alone! Tourism and New York can be an accelerant for national recovery. In the links below we have several innovations and data points to that end.

As the Times put it yesterday, "if you’re worried about Covid-19, at this point New York is one of the safest places in America." Not exactly the fiery hellscape some have suggested this week. Enjoy the long weekend!

When you keep your community transmission rate low good things can happen. New York State is setting records for number of people tested and the results keep coming back the same, with less than 1% positive for the coronavirus. Accordingly, the reopenings are coming fast and furious.

Some joints are famous for their drinks, others for their music, but nothing compares to NYC rooftop bars and their stunning views. These bars are not, however, all made equal. Again, you’re faced with countless options. Whether you’re a visitor or have lived in the city your whole life, you won’t regret having these 5 rooftop bar destinations on your bucket list.

Most of the city’s attractions have been resting since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Several months after New York was first shut down, business owners are now considering how and when they might be able to reopen their tourist attractions.

Walk the greatest city in the world with ExperienceFirst New York! Experience First, or EXP1, provides engaging, comprehensive walking tours throughout NYC. Rated the #1 Cultural Experience Globally on TripAdvisor in 2018, this touring service has satellites in Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Paris. Whether you’re looking for a head-first plunge into the city’s beloved attractions or an in-depth look into one of New York’s iconic neighborhoods, EXP1 has the walking tour you’ve been waiting for.

Before you hit the High Line, Chelsea Piers, or the Whitney, fuel up at one of Chelsea's best brunch spots.