Lin-Manuel Miranda Is Here to Remind Travelers Why We All Love NYC (Video)

New York City may still be in the throes of battling COVID-19, but the Big Apple is looking ahead, ensuring it is ready to welcome tourists with open arms when the time comes — and partnering with some big names to do it.

This week, the city’s destination marketing organization, NYC & Company, formed The Coalition for NYC Hospitality & Tourism Recovery, which will create public information campaigns and re-inspire a love for the bustling culture the city is known for — with the help of some big New York City names like Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda and restaurateur Danny Meyer.

“From Broadway houses to independent theaters, from marquee attractions to small businesses and restaurants, our beloved five boroughs tell a story unlike any other place in the world,” Miranda said in a statement. “Together, we will create a next act for our city. After this intermission, we will be ready to welcome the world back with open arms, so people can fall in love with New York over and over again.”

In addition to input from Broadway, restaurants, and museums, the coalition will tap medical and public health experts to help inform the best way forward.

New York City is a domestic and international tourism magnet, and drew 66.6 million visitors for both business and leisure travel last year, according to NYC & Company. But like most places around the world, COVID-19 has put a significant damper on that.

More than 185,000 people in New York City have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the city’s Health Department, but daily case numbers are on the decline.

“Hospitality is the fabric of what makes New York City such an amazing place to live and visit,” Meyer said in the statement, adding, “our collective resilience will once again remind New Yorkers and visitors alike why they fell in love with this amazing city.”

In the meantime, people can support "The City That Never Sleeps" from both near and far by donating or volunteering, and virtually experience all the city has to offer with everything from art lessons from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to meet-and-greets with your favorite Broadway stars.