Now that the United States border has been reopened to vaccinated international travelers, New York needs to ramp it’s tourism industry back up. In New York City alone, tourism is an over $80 billion sector. As such, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the $450 Million “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” inclusive recovery package.
The package:
- $100 Million in One-Time Payments to Support Hardest-Hit Tourism Workers
- $100 Million in Grants to Encourage Tourism Employers to Rehire Staff
- $25 Million to Attract Convention Center and Hotel Events; Additional $25 Million for Global and Domestic Marketing Efforts
- Commitment to Advance Legislation Expanding Successful Small Business Recovery Program for Businesses Started Just Prior to or During the Pandemic with $200 Million Relief Program (The Small Business Recovery Grant Program is still accepting applications for small businesses with revenues of up to $2.5 million that have suffered losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic)
For New York City based restaurants and bars still feeling the economic impacts of Covid-19, The Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit may offer some relief. Qualifying businesses are eligible for a tax credit of $5,000 per new worker hired, up-to $50,000 per business. The Program is open to eligible restaurants located in New York City, or in an area outside of New York City that was designated an Orange or Red Zone for at least thirty consecutive days.
Also, New York State announced digital Covid-19 vaccination credentials issued from Canadian provinces and territories that adhere to SMART Health Cards specifications will immediately be accepted through the state’s Excelsior Pass Scanner application. Following the reopening of the US- Canadian border, this means fully vaccinated Canadians can use their compatible vaccination credentials for business entry in New York. As of November 9th, seven provinces and territories in Canada issue vaccine certificates that meet the state’s criteria. This includes Québec, Manitoba, Yukon, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Additional Canadian provinces and territories are expected to follow and will be announced soon.
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