New York City sees rise in tourism, bit by bit
In recent weeks, tourism indicators for New York City like hotel occupancy and museum attendance that had fallen off a pandemic cliff have ticked up slightly. It's a welcome sight for a city where the industry has been decimated by the impact of the coronavirus.
COVID-19 traveler refunds: Senators urge airlines to refund $10B in canceled flights
Senators Edward Markey and Richard Blumenthal believe airlines are sitting on $10 billion in pandemic-related credits and are asking the companies to offer cash refunds to travelers.
Maldives officials discussing plans to offer COVID-19 vaccines to tourists
The Maldives is hoping to save lives while saving its economy with its 3V initiative — which stands for visit, vaccinate, vacation.
60 years since 1st American in space, tourists lining up
Sixty years after Alan Shepard became the first American in space, everyday people are on the verge of following in his cosmic footsteps.
EU proposal could allow vaccinated Americans to travel to Europe by end of June
In announcement sure to be welcomed by travelers worldwide, the EU’s executive branch has proposed easing restrictions on visiting the 27-nation bloc as vaccination campaigns keep gathering speed.
Experts: Book early if you want to travel this summer
After more than a year of pandemic closures and cancelations, Americans are eager to get out of the house and on the road or in the sky. So make your domestic travel plans now.
Las Vegas hits jackpot as pandemic-weary visitors return
Las Vegas has been almost elbow-to-elbow lately with pandemic-weary tourists looking for excitement and entertainment, after casinos rose from 35% to 50% occupancy March 15 under state health guidelines.
Royal Caribbean makes 'world's largest cruise ship' available for booking
Royal Caribbean International announced Tuesday that it has opened bookings for the first voyages aboard its new ship, Wonder of the Seas, which will set sail from Shanghai and Hong Kong in 2022.
NYC launching $30 million campaign to revive tourism industry
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $30 million effort through NYC & Company to bring back tourists.
Frequent flyer recreates airplane food as hobby during COVID-19 lockdown
Nik Sennhauser said he misses airline food ever since the COVID-19 lockdown, so he started making his own plane meals to satisfy his “obsession.”
State Dept. to issue ‘do not travel’ advisories to 80% of countries amid ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
The department said the update to these advisories takes into account logistical factors, such as in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.
Vacant middle seats on airplanes cut COVID-19 exposure risk by up to 57%, CDC study says
Leaving middle seats open and vacant on airplanes may significantly reduce a passenger’s risk of exposure to the coronavirus, a new study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests.
Volcano eruption in Caribbean prompts mass evacuation during popular vacation week
The volcano, which last erupted in 1979, shot ash plumes as high as 20,000 feet into the sky.
CDC updates guidance for cruise ship industry in conditional sailing order
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the next phase of its conditional sail order for cruise ship operators Friday.
COVID rates in NY remain high despite new CDC guidelines
The coronavirus positivity rate is still 3% in New York, and is at 4.3% on Long Island.
CDC clears domestic travel for vaccinated people, but still advises mask-wearing
The new guidelines say vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread the virus, but the CDC still recommends safety measures like wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing.
Walt Disney World sold out for Easter weekend and beyond
As of Friday morning, the only availability next week is on Wednesday and Saturday at EPCOT.
NY lifts mandatory quarantine for domestic travelers
Beginning Thursday, domestic travelers will no longer have to quarantine when flying into the state, although state health officials are still recommending people quarantine after domestic travel as an added precaution.
Biden outlines $2.25 trillion infrastructure plan funded by corporate tax hike
Joe Biden revealed his $2.25 trillion infrastructure and jobs plan on Wednesday, which would be funded by corporate tax hikes.
Delta to stop blocking middle seats on May 1, joining other US carriers
Delta is the last U.S. airline to end the policy of blocking middle seats, which it first began in April 2020.