Outgoing New York City mayor Bill de Blasio and the rest of the New Yorkers are very happy with the decision of President Joe Biden to open back its borders to Europeans.
De Blasio said the arrival of tourists from Europe is an essential part of the city’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sources said on Monday, 253 international flights arrived in New York, as part of the federal government rolling back travel restrictions placed on 33 countries, mostly in Europe, in the early months of the pandemic.
“We have been waiting now for a long, long time, 18 months, in fact, for the restrictions to be lifted so travelers from other countries could come back to New York City,” de Blasio said.
“Hotel bookings are going up intensely. We’re seeing more and more foot traffic in key parts of the city. Fifth Avenue, Times Square. We’re seeing tourists come out. They’re ready to spend their money in this city,” de Blasio added.
To show how happy the Big Apple was on the return of tourists, the Empire State Building was lit up in the colors of the United Kingdom’s flag.
As some of the borders are opened, the travelers are required to show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test within 72 hours of travel.
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