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.

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.

Space Tourism: Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin auctioning off seat on its first crewed spaceflight

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin is kicking off an auction for a seat on the company’s first crew spaceflight — a short Shepard-like hop launched by a rocket named New Shepard. The Texas liftoff is targeted for July 20, the date of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

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.

Europe to welcome vaccinated visitors; CDC says Americans shouldn't travel

Many Americans are eager to get out of the house and hop on a plane to Europe, which is poised to open its doors to vaccinated tourists.

Whale-watching tours from Manhattan coming in May

A high-speed commuter ferry company is launching whale-watching cruises that leave directly from Manhattan.

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.

Senators introduce bill to allow cruise ships to sail by July 4th

A trio of U.S. senators have introduced a bill that would allow the cruise industry to start sailing again by July 4th.

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.

CDC says no-sail order to remain in place until Nov. 1 despite cruise association request

The CDC said Wednesday its no-sail order will remain in place until Nov. 1 for cruise ships, despite a request from the Cruise Lines International Association to lift the order several months early.

Pope Francis, citing pandemic, cuts pay for cardinals, priests, nuns

Pope Francis, in a letter made public by the Vatican, noted that the pandemic emergency "negatively impacted all sources of revenue" for the Holy See and Vatican City State. 

Tourism groups push U.S. to eliminate travel restrictions

More than two dozen groups representing airlines and others in the tourism industry want the Biden administration to come up with a plan to reduce restrictions on international travel.

Malcolm X's boyhood home in Roxbury gets historic designation

The National Park Service has added Malcolm X's boyhood home in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places. 

Canada blocks cruise ships until 2022, affecting Alaska tourism, too

The Canadian government has extended a ban on cruise ships through February 2022, which is expected to block trips from visiting Alaska this year. 

New Orleans shutters bars, bans liquor sales during 2021 Mardi Gras weekend

New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell announced that all bars will be closed and liquor sales will be banned during Mardi Gras weekend in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

What is Little Island?
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New York City's newest public park is under construction in Hudson River Park by West 13th Street. It is called Little Island and is on track to open to the public in spring 2021. Construction of the park is largely funded by the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation.

Lawmaker hopes 'Bigfoot' hunting season draws tourists

Oklahoma state Rep. Justin Humphrey says a Bigfoot hunting season will boost visitors to his "beautiful part of the state."