It's been a little more than a week since the city's tourism industry gathered for the "NYC Tourism Is Back, Start Spreading Your News" cocktail reception and we are still feeling the inspiration. There is no substitute for being together, and for the creative energy churned up by a collaborative spirit. Once again we thank our fantastic hosts at One World Observatory and the 30-plus sponsors who enabled us to get together and provide charitable contributions to New Yorkers in need.

To see your friends at the event, check out our video slide show. We've also got the photos posted to an album on the NYC Tourism Industry Professionals (NYC TIP)—if you're not a member yet, now's a great opportunity to join.

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:

• The Met has extended its hours, Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday, 10am-5pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm
• The Museum of Arts and Design has returned to its regular hours, 10am-6pm, Tuesday-Sunday
• The Municipal Art Society of New York returns to in-person tours on September 11th
• The UniverSoul Circus brings international talent to Queens starting September 11th
• The MTV Video Music Awards return to Barclays Center on September 12th
• Dior Beauty will open a retail pop-up fragrance installation in the Meatpacking September 13th-16th
• TDF's TKTS discount ticket booth reopens "under the red steps" in Times Square on September 14th
• Joe's Pub returns to live programming this fall starting October 5th; there's a free preview Friday Night Cabaret on Astor Place, September 17th
• The Feast of San Gennaro is back, September 16th-26th, this year honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11
• The Brooklyn Americana Music Festival returns in-person September 18th-19th
• Luna Park kicks off the spooky season with annual Halloween Harvest starting September 25th
• The Big Apple Comic Con hosts its Silver Anniversary Event on September 25th-26th, featuring a first-ever "Gallery of Great Collectible Comics"
• Ballet Hispánico will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the return of its A La Calle Block Party on the Upper West Side on September 26th
• Symphony Space live programming resumes September 28th
• Open House New York Weekend offers 150+ ways to explore the city October 16th-17th

Twenty years ago New York City suffered terrible losses in the September 11 attacks. We have listed highlights of the city's commemorative events below. Along with NYC institutions, City Guide remembers the lives of the victims, the strength of their families, and the sacrifices of first responders, recovery workers, and volunteers. Many of us questioned what kind of city would come back in the wake of so much destruction. As we remember this solemn anniversary, we should also keep in mind the outpouring of support NYC received, and the exponential growth of the city as a tourism destination in the years since. Although we are again facing challenges, we have another chance to show the world New York City's extraordinary resilience.

Faith Ringgold, Windows of the Wedding #1: Woman; St. Nicholas Park, Manhattan. Image courtesy of Project Backboard.

LINKS OF INTEREST

NYC

• Actors on their return to Broadway
• City to finally legalize public dancing by fixing zoning laws
• Manhattan office leasing hit pandemic era high last month
• Manhattan's hottest September restaurants
• Norwegian Cruise Line sailing again from NYC, starting early 2022 

BEYOND NYC

• Airlines dropping fall fares to lure more travelers
• Strong numbers for Labor Day Weekend travel
• U.S. jobs report shows no growth in leisure and hospitality employment
• Travel survey finds distinctions between generations

MARKING 9/11

• FDNY Fire Zone and FDNY Shop remember with 20th anniversary commemorative coins and t-shirts
• AIA New York Center for Architecture's pop-up exhibit “What We Build,” honoring the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan, on view September 9th-18th
• Multimedia "Requiem 2021" projected on the walls of the Grand Ballroom in the Bohemian National Hall, September 9th and 10th
• On September 10th, St. Paul’s Chapel will host A Time and Space for Remembrance and Healing
• The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will host families for the annual commemoration ceremony
• Installations and programs take place throughout the day Saturday at the New-York Historical Society; ongoing special installation Remembering 9/11 tells of the FDNY’s elite Rescue Company 2
• Lincoln Center will host the 9/11 Table of Silence Project: A Movement for Peace, created by Jacqulyn Buglisi
• On Saturday, Green-Wood Cemetery will host a memorial occasion atop Battle Hall; Memory Ground features performances and an opportunity to gather for reflection and remembrance
• SohoJohnny Productions presents 9/11 Let Me Help, Inc Grand Celebrity Benefit Music & Fashion Gala Concert on September 11th
• Remembrance, Reflection, Resilience: A 9/11 Tribute Concert in person at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on September 11th
• Musicians For Harmony celebrates its 20th anniversary Saturday with an online and in-person Concert for Peace at Merkin Hall
• At sunrise and sunset on Saturday, Eiko Otake performs the dance Slow Turn in Battery Park City
• 9/11 Search & Detection Dogs: Health and Behavior Explored, September 25th at the AKC Museum of the Dog

EVERYTHING TO DO FACEBOOK GROUP POST OF THE WEEK

City Guide's Everything To Do NYC Facebook Group brings together more than 50,000 tourists and city superfans interacting on what's happening right now in NYC. You can get a clear picture of traveler concerns here—recent posts looked for guidance on subway safety and the city drying out from Ida. As an active group, it's common to see hundreds of responses to a post, like this recent one about how to save money as a visitor:

You all are so helpful! So another question. We are ballin on a budget LOL, everything costs $40 a person it seems for everything in NYC. What activities or places are free? I’ve been reaching out and learned the Edge will give you $10 off of you pay with a Visa, also certain times at different museums are free... give me more ideas, is the Statue of Liberty free? Are any of the tall sightseeing buildings free? Coney Island?

There are hundreds of suggestions here, touching on The High Line, Chelsea Market, Central Park, Grand Central, the Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge, Domino Park, San Gennaro, and dozens more. (There was also some controversy on the ethics and efficacy of Groupon.) ETD is a great way to take the pulse of city travel and to market your venue. If you're not a member yet, join us!