New York City, also known as the Big Apple, has always been a popular tourist destination. With its iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, and bustling streets, people from all over the world flock to this city to experience its unique charm.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a significant impact on tourism in NYC. Let’s take a closer look at how tourism in NYC is now.
COVID-19 Impact on Tourism in NYC
The pandemic has caused major disruptions in the travel industry worldwide, and New York City is no exception. The city that never sleeps came to a halt during the early stages of the pandemic when it was the epicenter of COVID-19 cases in the United States. As a result, many tourists had to cancel their trips due to travel restrictions and safety concerns.
Reopening of Tourist Attractions
As New York City began to flatten the curve and recover from the pandemic’s initial wave, it started reopening its tourist attractions with strict social distancing guidelines and safety protocols. Popular landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park Zoo, and many others reopened with limited capacity.
The Rise of Domestic Tourism
While international tourism has still not fully recovered due to travel restrictions and border closures worldwide, domestic tourism has seen an increase in recent months. Many Americans who are eager to travel but cannot leave the country have turned to NYC as their vacation destination.
What To Expect When Visiting NYC Now?
If you are planning a trip to New York City anytime soon or are already there as a tourist, here’s what you can expect:
Safety Measures
New York City takes safety measures seriously when it comes to COVID-19 prevention. You can expect mandatory face mask policies in all public places and tourist attractions with hand sanitizing stations available throughout. Many attractions have also implemented temperature checks and contact tracing protocols.
Reduced Capacity
Tourist attractions are operating at a reduced capacity to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed. You may have to wait in lines longer than usual due to this, so it’s essential to plan your trip accordingly.
Limited Entertainment Options
Many theaters, museums, and other entertainment venues are still closed or operating at a limited capacity, so it’s important to check for updated information before visiting.
In Conclusion
While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant impacts on tourism in NYC, the city is still open and ready for tourists who want to experience its unique charm. With safety measures in place and strict social distancing guidelines followed, you can still enjoy many of its iconic landmarks and attractions. So if you’re planning a trip to New York City soon, make sure you plan ahead and stay safe!