The marketing campaign, which included a $500 gift card giveaway, was meant to show Buffalo's northern neighbors they were welcome, wanted and missed.

At first, it seemed like it might work, said Patrick Kaler, CEO of the local tourism organization Visit Buffalo Niagara. More than 1,000 people entered the giveaway. But by the end of July, it was clear the city's reliable summer wave of Canadian visitors would not arrive this year.

Buffalo’s struggle reflects a broader downturn in international tourism to the U.S. that travel analysts warn could persist well into the future. From northern border towns to major hot spots like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, popular travel destinations reported hosting fewer foreign visitors this summer.

Experts and some local officials attribute the trend that first emerged in February to President Donald Trump's return to the White House. They say his tariffs, immigration crackdown and repeated jabs about the U.S. acquiring Canada and Greenland alienated travelers from other parts of the world.

"To see the traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is so disheartening,” Kaler said.

Forecasts show US losing foreign travelers

The World Travel & Tourism Council projected ahead of Memorial Day that the U.S. would be the only country among the 184 it studied where foreign visitor spending would fall in 2025. The finding was “a clear indicator that the global appeal of the U.S. is slipping,” the global industry association said.

“The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction,” Julia Simpson, the council’s president and CEO, said. "While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”

Travel research firm Tourism Economics, meanwhile, predicted this month that the U.S. would see 8.2% fewer international arrivals in 2025, an improvement from its earlier forecast of a 9.4% decline but well below the numbers of foreign visitors to the country before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The sentiment drag has proven to be severe,” the firm said, noting that airline bookings indicate “the sharp inbound travel slowdown” of May, June and July would likely persist in the months ahead.

Deborah Friedland, managing director at the financial services firm Eisner Advisory Group, said he U.S. travel industry faced multiple headwinds — rising travel costs, political uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Since returning to office, Trump has doubled down on some of the hard-line policies that defined his first term, reviving a travel ban targeting mainly African and Middle Eastern countries, tightening rules around visa approvals and ramping up mass immigration raids. At the same time, the push for tariffs on foreign goods that quickly became a defining feature of his second term gave some citizens elsewhere a sense they were unwanted.

“Perception is reality,” Friedland said.

International arrivals down from Western Europe, Asia and Africa

Organizers of an international swing dancing said an impression of America's hostility to foreigners led them to postpone the event, which had been scheduled to take place this month in the Harlem area of New York City.

About three months into Trump’s second term, international competitors began pulling out of the world finals of the International Lindy Hop Championships, saying they felt unwelcome, event co-producer Tena Morales said. About half of attendees each year come from outside the U.S., primarily from Canada and France, she said.

Contest organizers are considering whether to host the annual competition in another country until Trump's presidency ends, Morales said.

“The climate is still the same and what we're hearing is still the same, that (dancers) don't want to come here," she said.

The nation’s capital, where the Trump administration in recent weeks deployed National Guard members and took over management of Union Station, also has noticed an impact.

Local tourism officials have projected a 5.1% dip in international visitors for the year. Marketing organization Destination DC said last week it planned to “counter negative rhetoric" about the city with a campaign that would feature residents and highlight the “more personal side” of Washington.

U.S. government data confirms an overall drop-off in international arrivals during the first seven months of the year. The number of overseas visitors, a category that doesn't include travelers from Mexico or Canada, declined by more than 3 million, or 1.6%, compared to the same period a year earlier, according to preliminary figures from the National Travel and Tourism Office.

As a tourist generator, Western Europe was down 2.3%, with visitors from Denmark dropping by 19%, from Germany by 10%, and from France by 6.6%. A similar pattern surfaced in Asia, where the U.S. data showed double-digit decreases in arrivals from Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines. Fewer residents of countries throughout Africa also had traveled to the U.S. as of July.

However, visitors from some countries, among them Argentina, Brazil, Italy and Japan, have arrived in greater numbers.

Filling a void left by Canadian tourists

Neither did all U.S. destinations report sluggish summers for tourism.

On eastern Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, which straddles Lake Michigan and Green Bay, a steady stream of loyal Midwest visitors helped deliver a strong summer for local businesses, according to Jon Jarosh, a spokesperson for Destination Door County.

Many business owners reported a noticeable uptick in foot traffic after a quieter start to the season, Jarosh said, and sidewalks were bustling and restaurants were packed by midsummer.

Executives from the major U.S. airlines said last month that American passengers booking premium airfares helped fill their international flights and that demand for domestic flights was picking up after a weaker than expected showing in the first half of 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it was gearing up for what is expected to be the busiest Labor Day weekend in 15 years. Bookings for U.S. airlines were up about 2% compared to 2024 for the long holiday weekend that started Thursday, aviation analytics firm Cirium said.

As the summer winds down, though, the absence of foreign visitors in Buffalo was still visible, according to Kaler, the head of Visit Buffalo Niagara.

Canada sent over 20.2 million visitors to the U.S. last year, more than any other country, U.S. government data showed. But this year, residents of Canada have been among the most reluctant to visit.

In a major U-turn, more U.S. residents drove into Canada in June and July than Canadians making the reverse trip, according to Canada’s national statistical agency. Statistics Canada said it was the first time that happened in nearly two decades with the exception of two months during the pandemic.

In July alone, the number of Canadian residents returning from the U.S. by car was down 37% from the year before, and return trips by plane fell 26%, the agency said.

As a result, Visit Buffalo Niagara shifted its marketing efforts this summer to cities like Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago. Amateur children’s sporting events also helped fill the void left by Canadian tourists.

“We will always welcome Canadians back when the time is right,” Kaler said. “I don’t want Canadians to feel like we see them as just dollar signs or a transaction at our cash registers. They mean more to us that that."

SLS Barcelona’s 471 rooms and suites are designed with drama and comfort in mind, drawing inspiration from lunar phases and using mirrored glass, warm timber, and oversized headboards for a sense of contemporary glamour . Each room features a balcony or terrace—many with panoramic marina or city views—offering guests a private slice of Barcelona’s famed coastline .

Accessibility is a core part of the SLS Barcelona ethos, with rooms featuring mobility-friendly layouts, roll-in and transfer showers, visual alarms, and closed captioning on TVs, ensuring every guest feels welcome and safe .

Dining at SLS Barcelona is itself a journey. The resort boasts six distinct venues, including a Mediterranean coal-fired grill, an informal tapas bar, and Kyara, a post-modern cocktail bar set to become a nightlife staple with its aromatic compositions and innovative mixology . Cosmico, the rooftop pool bar and club, offers day-to-night entertainment across one of Barcelona’s largest waterfront rooftops, complete with infinity pools, cabanas, and DJ sets—perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers looking to connect and celebrate in style .

For guests seeking wellness alongside revelry, SLS Barcelona features three outdoor pools, a sun-drenched fitness center, and soon, a subterranean spa for full-body relaxation .

SLS Barcelona’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its amenities. As the official hotel partner for Primavera Sound, one of Europe’s largest and most LGBTQ+-celebrated music festivals, SLS offers a seamless festival experience—just steps from Parc del Fòrum, the festival’s iconic venue . The hotel’s 770-square-metre Gala Ballroom and eight additional event spaces are designed for everything from intimate community gatherings to large-scale celebrations, making it an ideal venue for queer weddings, parties, and cultural events .

While SLS does not currently feature dedicated LGBTQ+ programming within its own events calendar , its proximity to Barcelona’s thriving queer scene—especially the Eixample district, known as 'Gayxample'—means guests are always close to the city’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and cultural institutions .

Insider Tips: What to Do During Your Stay

- Explore Port Fòrum and Beyond: Start your day with a stroll along the marina, where local cafés blend seamlessly with pop-up art installations and open-air markets. The adjacent Parc del Fòrum often hosts LGBTQ+-friendly events and is the epicenter of Primavera Sound .

- Day Trips to ‘Gayxample’: A short taxi or metro ride brings you to Eixample, where you’ll find iconic venues such as Arena Madre and Punto BCN, as well as independent queer-owned shops and galleries .

- Beach Life: Mar Bella Beach, famous for its inclusive atmosphere and LGBTQ+ section, is easily accessible from SLS Barcelona. Expect rainbow flags, beach parties, and a diverse crowd year-round .

- Cultural Must-Sees: Don’t miss the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) for avant-garde exhibitions, or explore queer history at the Centre LGTBI de Barcelona, which offers rotating exhibits, resources, and community events .

- Hotel-Hosted Experiences: SLS Barcelona’s rooftop yoga sessions, curated dining events, and cocktail masterclasses are open to all guests and foster a sense of community, with staff trained in inclusive hospitality and ready to recommend LGBTQ+-friendly venues citywide .

SLS Barcelona aims to set a new standard for eco-conscious luxury, with energy-efficient facilities, renewable energy sources, and responsibly sourced materials throughout its design . For LGBTQ+ travelers, this commitment to both environmental and social responsibility adds peace of mind, knowing their stay supports a brand that values people and planet alike.

New guests can take advantage of limited-time offers, including up to 50% off for Dis-loyalty members and A-List packages with daily dining credits, welcome gifts, and complimentary breakfasts through December 2025 . These perks make SLS Barcelona not only an indulgent choice, but also an accessible one for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking both value and elevated experience.

SLS Barcelona stands out as a beacon of inclusive luxury, where every guest—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression—can expect thoughtful service, world-class amenities, and easy access to the best of Barcelona’s diverse culture. With its unique blend of extravagance, community focus, and prime location, SLS Barcelona is poised to become the go-to destination for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking a memorable, affirming, and utterly fabulous stay in one of Europe’s great queer capitals.

Alphonse’s solution was to create his own suits. The bold cuts and eye-catching prints quickly caught the attention of friends and fellow sunseekers, who began requesting custom suits. “Soon, friends started asking me to make suits for them, and the business grew organically from there,” Alphonse told Queerty.com .

By 1998, Alphonse and his husband transformed this grassroots enthusiasm into a small-scale business. Their boutique, Alphonse Swimwear, launched in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica—an area that has since become a vibrant hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife, culture, and tourism .

Alphonse Swimwear is defined by meticulous craftsmanship and a keen eye for both classic and contemporary design. The brand offers five original styles: Bikini, Atletico, Olympic, Mini B-twini, and B-twini. Each swimsuit is produced in limited editions, ensuring exclusivity and quality . Fabrics are chosen for their durability, vibrant colors, and comfort—a reflection of Alphonse’s commitment to both fashion and function .

A hallmark of the Alphonse experience is its personalized service. Customers can make appointments for fittings, during which Alphonse takes individual measurements and tailors each suit to fit perfectly. This bespoke approach has earned Alphonse Swimwear rave reviews from both tourists and locals, who praise the quality, beauty, and inclusivity of the designs . As one visitor shared, “Several different cuts available. From slightly more conservative to a cut that is more revealing. Alphonse has swimwear that will ensure your perfect fit” .

Alphonse’s boutique is conveniently located near Playa de Los Muertos, the popular gay beach in Puerto Vallarta, making it a sought-after destination for visitors seeking both style and community .

Alphonse Swimwear is more than a fashion label—it is a symbol of queer visibility, pride, and entrepreneurship in a region where LGBTQ+ rights and representation have evolved dramatically over the past three decades. The business has helped make Puerto Vallarta a mecca for gay travelers from around the world, who flock to the city for its beaches, nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere .

The brand’s success is rooted not only in its eye-catching designs but also in its connection to the LGBTQ+ community. Alphonse has consistently supported local events and charities, including Pride festivities and HIV/AIDS outreach, further cementing his role as a community leader . His boutique stands as an affirming space for customers of all gender identities and expressions. As Alphonse told Queerty.com, “It’s about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling comfortable and celebrated in your own skin, whoever you are” .

The legacy of Alphonse Swimwear is apparent not only in the brightly colored suits dotting the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, but also in the growing number of LGBTQ+ owned businesses in the city. Alphonse’s model—prioritizing individuality, quality, and community—has inspired a new generation of queer entrepreneurs across Mexico and beyond .

As the global queer community continues to seek out welcoming destinations and affirming experiences, Alphonse remains a trailblazer, showing that authentic representation and style are always in vogue. For visitors to Puerto Vallarta, a stop at Alphonse Swimwear is both a fashion pilgrimage and a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture—a testament to the power of self-expression, creativity, and love .

Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus is divided into six major districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos. The capital, Nicosia, is notable as the world's last divided capital, a legacy of the island’s complex political history. Despite this, Cyprus has been peaceful for decades, with tourism flourishing thanks to its 340 days of sunshine each year, stunning coastlines, and archaeological treasures .

Cyprus is a member of the European Union, and while legal protections for LGBTQ+ people have advanced in recent years, social attitudes can vary. Urban centers and coastal resorts are generally open and welcoming, with a growing number of queer-owned businesses and events .

While Cyprus may not rival the likes of Mykonos or Sitges for sheer scale, its LGBTQ+ scene is vibrant and steadily expanding. Nicosia leads with several gay bars and venues, and hosts the annual Cyprus Pride event each summer. Since its inception in 2014, Cyprus Pride has grown rapidly, embraced by locals and marked by increasing participation from across the island. Organizers were initially wary of opposition, but community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with Pride now a fixture in the Cypriot calendar .

Limassol is home to The Elysium Bar Complex, a popular spot for queer nightlife, situated a short drive from the city center. Larnaca offers a lively bar scene along Mackenzie Beach, while Paphos is famed for its laid-back beaches frequented by LGBTQ+ sunbathers and nudists. Though some venues have closed in recent years, new establishments continue to emerge, reflecting a resilient and adaptive queer community .

Cyprus boasts three unofficial gay beaches, each offering a sanctuary for queer travelers seeking both relaxation and connection. These beaches are well-known among locals and visiting LGBTQ+ people, providing a discreet yet social setting. For those interested in clothing-optional sunbathing, Paphos is a prime destination. While public displays of affection (PDA) are generally welcomed in queer-friendly locales, travelers are advised to be mindful in rural or conservative areas, where discretion may be appreciated .

Cyprus does not currently feature exclusively queer hotels like those found in Fort Lauderdale or Mykonos, but its boutique hotels and guesthouses are renowned for their hospitality and inclusivity. Many LGBTQ+ travelers opt for platforms such as Misterb&b, which connect guests with queer hosts—ensuring both comfort and valuable local insight into the island’s underground scene. This approach has been praised for enhancing the travel experience and forging authentic connections .

Each June or July, Nicosia transforms for Cyprus Pride, drawing thousands for a celebration of diversity and inclusion. The event features a parade, live performances, workshops, and community outreach. Organizers note that the festival’s growth is a testament to the island’s evolving attitudes and the resilience of its LGBTQ+ community. Pride was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since returned stronger, underscoring the importance of visibility and solidarity .

Cypriots are renowned for their hospitality, and most travelers report feeling safe and welcome. As with any destination, it is wise to exercise situational awareness, particularly when exploring less populated or rural areas. English is widely spoken, and local police are accustomed to assisting tourists.

For queer travelers, it is recommended to:

- Research venues and events in advance.
- Use LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation platforms.
- Respect local customs in conservative areas.
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities for up-to-date advice and support .

Cyprus offers much more than nightlife and beaches. The island’s rich history is evident in its ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman architecture. Culinary experiences highlight Mediterranean flavors—think halloumi cheese, fresh seafood, and local wines.

Notable attractions include:

- The ancient city of Kourion (Limassol district)
- The Tombs of the Kings (Paphos)
- The Venetian walls of Nicosia
- Troodos Mountains for hiking and nature
- Larnaca Salt Lake, especially beautiful in spring .

Cyprus’s LGBTQ+ community is bolstered by grassroots organizations and online networks, offering support and advocacy. These groups provide resources, safe spaces, and information about upcoming events, activism, and health services. Engaging with these organizations can enrich your visit and foster meaningful connections.

For queer travelers seeking sun, history, and community, Cyprus is a destination growing in both visibility and inclusivity. Whether participating in Pride, lounging on a secluded beach, or exploring ancient ruins, LGBTQ+ visitors will find a welcoming spirit and a sense of belonging that continues to flourish .

The twenty-seventh annual Gay Days at Disneyland are set to take place Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14. The event is expected to attract thousands of LGBTQ+ park-hoppers from California and all over the country. They will enjoy Disneyland in a way that it can only be experienced during Gay Days. 

Since the event began in 1998, the Disneyland Resort has welcomed this annual celebration and continues to do so even as some of the country’s culture wars aim their sights at Disney and the LBGTQ+ community. 

Festivities begin on Friday at noon with the opening of the Gay Days Welcome Center/ Expo at the Grand Californian Hotel. At 7:00 PM, Cheyenne Jackson, takes to the stage with his new act, “Another Prince Charming,” before he heads to Carnegie Hall next season. At 9:00, queer stand up comedian Zach Noe Towers makes his Gay Days debut with a night of comedy. 

Saturday, September 13 will be Gay Day at Disneyland with a full day of activities and meet-ups scheduled in the park. The day culminates at House of Blues Anaheim with two performances featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars champion, Ginger Minj, in a brand-new show, “The Magic Queendom” at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. At 10:00 DJ Paulo Ramirez. takes over for our signature dance party, KINGDOM! 

Sunday, September 14 will be Gay Day at Disney's California Adventure with more in-park activities and at 11:00, the first ever Gay Days Drag Queen Bingo featuring Chico’s Angels star, Kay Sedia. 

As the sun sets, we’ll close the weekend at 6:00 PM with another Drag Race champion, Lawrence Chaney in “Taking the Mickey”, straight from her UK tour, and then Gay Days favorite, Jackie Cox, in her new show “Nurse Jackie” at 8:00 PM.

VIP ticket packages are available now. 

Both days in the parks will feature gatherings only available over Gay Days weekend, including a scavenger hunt, a group photo, a lesbian ice cream social, group meet ups at varying attractions, and many more events targeted to families, teens, bears, couples and Mouseketeers of every ilk. A complete schedule is available at the Gay Days website www.GayDaysAnaheiminfo.com

Other highlights of the weekend include the Gay Days Welcome Center (located inside the Sequoia Ballroom of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel), a scavenger hunt, a gigantic group photo and mixers all over the resort. 

Gay Days Anaheim is a "mix-in" with the park’s other weekend guests, but gays and lesbians are encouraged to wear red shirts in order to identify each other and to show strong numbers. Official T-shirts are available at the official Gay Days at Disneyland website. 

Gay Days Anaheim is NOT a Disney-sponsored event so Disney will not have any information regarding the "unofficial" happening.

Sponsors for the event include Delta, Mistr, Howard Johnson Anaheim, and Radiant Health Center. Media sponsors are The Fight, Queerty, Pink Media, and EDGE Media Network. 

For complete details, including discounted hotel rooms and park tickets, visit 
www.GayDaysAnaheiminfo.com

A new survey shows that younger Americans are relying on AI and ChatGPT more and more to construct their vacation itineraries.

The survey of 2,000 Americans (split evenly by generation) by Talker Research found that only 29% of millennials have never used AI for this reason, with just 33% of Gen Z saying the same.

This is a stark contrast to older generations that still rely on old-school, traditional methods to sort their travel plans. Seven in ten baby boomers also say they have never used AI for their travel plans.

So exactly how are people utilizing AI in this way? The interesting results emerged in Talker Research’s new travel trend report.

The top application for AI in travel planning was found to be asking it to compare flight prices for wherever they’re headed, with 29% of all those polled saying they’ve done this.

A similar amount says AI comes in even before that: Twenty-nine percent of respondents have even asked it where they should go for their trip.

Another one in five even let AI complete a detailed plan for their whole trip, complete with sights to see, local things to do and museums to tick off.

While word of mouth and recommendations from loved ones have always been the most common way to learn about fun places to travel, the survey revealed that there’s a new contender.

YouTube (34%) was crowned as the top resource people use for travel inspo, officially topping recommendations from family (30%) and friends (28%).

The generations were split on this, as unsurprisingly, younger generations were a lot more reliant on social media than older generations.

While YouTube was the most popular when accounting for every survey-taker, Gen Z was overwhelmingly using TikTok for travel inspiration (52%).

In comparison, just 27% of millennials and only 2% of boomers said they use TikTok for this purpose.

While AI is still fairly new, it’s easy to see this trend growing as the technology becomes more sophisticated.

From hot springs and healing arts to forest bathing and fresh-air meditations, Colorado isn’t just a wellness destination – it’s an experience. Grab your crew (or take yourself on a solo journey), and discover why this state offers one of the most well-rounded retreats you never saw coming.

Only three months after she was named a host of the ABC News show with industry vets Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer, Roberts had played it straight on the Gulf Coast. That's what reporters do: they keep a lid on emotions to get the work done. Then Gibson asked, during a live shot, if Roberts had determined that her mother and other family members were safe.

So much for professional reserve.

“It's one thing if you shed a tear, but I was boo-hooing,” Roberts said. “I was delighted that in the end people were touched by that in a way that I wasn't expecting, that it was authenticity. That was proof that they just want you to be real in the moment.”

That clip of a much younger Roberts — still a “Good Morning America” host — is replayed on her ABC News special looking back at Katrina after 20 years. It airs Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern and is streamed on Disney+ and Hulu starting the next day.

Roberts, 64, has been back in the region more times than she can count since then, both to report and visit family. Her mother, Lucimarian, died in 2012 at age 88. Her sister Sally-Ann, a longtime news anchor in New Orleans, has retired.

“I still can't believe it's been 20 years,” she said. “Two decades. Going through the old footage was a little PTSD. You kind of blocked some of that out.”

In the special, Roberts retraces the ride she took from New Orleans to Pass Christian 20 years ago. There are fewer “staircases to nowhere” along the way, evidence of destroyed homes, each time she's back. But remnants from Katrina are still there.

Retracing her steps back to hometown

She tours Pass Christian with the longtime former mayor, Chipper McDermott. They visit her rebuilt high school — spotting the picture of Roberts on display — and the new version of a favorite family restaurant that had been washed away.

McDermott shows new homes with living areas built 20 feet in the air to protect against future storm surges. “A lot of people say, ‘why would you live in a place where you have to live on stilts?’” Roberts said. “It's home. Pick anywhere in the world where Mother Nature can't have the upper hand at some point. But home is home.”

Roberts wanted to pay tribute both to people who stayed in the area and rebuilt, and people who came to the Gulf in the storm's immediate aftermath to help.

“It took a lot of strength to raise our hands and say we need help,” she said. “It's very hard for Southerners to do that. We like to do it on our own. We did a lot on our own, but we got a lot of help. And we're very appreciative of that help.”

The special doesn't ignore tough issues, like economic inequality in the pace of rebuilding. Some affordable housing was replaced by hotels and casinos. One effective segment visits a New Orleans photographer, Jeremy Tauriac, and musician, Jasmine Batiste, who were children when rescued from Katrina and talked about the difficulties rebuilding their lives.

There's music, too. What would a visit to New Orleans be without it? Roberts talks with Harry Connick Jr., Trombone Shorty and Branford Marsalis.

“It is different, in some ways, of course,” Roberts said. “Nothing stays the same, especially after something like that. But the heart and soul of what New Orleans is? It didn't touch that.”

The four-story building, situated at 369 W 46th Street, has long been central to New York’s queer culture, hosting unforgettable drag performances, DJ sets, and dance parties that drew people from across the city and beyond. Now, under the stewardship of new owner Eric Hanninen—himself a longtime patron of the venue—the club has emerged with a modern look and a renewed mission to serve as a safe, inclusive, and dynamic gathering place .

The Ritz’s facelift extends well beyond surface-level glamour. Patrons stepping inside will find a new dance floor shimmering beneath a disco ball, a state-of-the-art DJ booth, plush benches, and remodeled bathrooms designed for comfort and accessibility. Ambient lighting now sets the mood for late-night revelry, while the previously shuttered second-floor bar has reopened, offering an intimate lounge experience perched above the main action .

The club’s backyard patio has also been revamped, featuring new seating and table service—a welcome addition for those seeking conversation and connection in a more relaxed setting. Importantly, the renovations included critical upgrades to the HVAC system, lighting, and overall safety infrastructure, with Hanninen personally moving into an apartment above the club to ensure ongoing oversight and community engagement .

Beyond aesthetics, the relaunch signals a significant evolution in the club’s approach to safety and inclusivity. Hanninen has implemented a comprehensive security plan, including ID and bag checks, staff retraining in de-escalation techniques, and extended operating hours from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. New liquor licensing and legal improvements to the outdoor spaces ensure that every guest can enjoy themselves in a secure, welcoming environment .

Community leaders and advocates have praised these changes, emphasizing the importance of safe queer spaces at a time when LGBTQ+ rights and safety remain under threat in many parts of the country. At the reopening, New York drag icon and activist Brita Filter spoke passionately about the club’s role in her own journey, recalling, “This was where I saw my first drag show… where I learned what my queer culture was… and where I learned how to fight back.” Her remarks underscored the enduring significance of queer nightlife venues in fostering belonging and resilience .

The Ritz’s reputation for vibrant programming remains unchallenged. Regular events include rotating DJ sets, drag shows, and dedicated evenings for RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties. The club’s relaunch coincides with Pride Month, amplifying its role as a center for celebration and activism. “We know The Ritz means a lot to this neighborhood, and we’re listening,” Hanninen stated. “There’s a lot of work to do, but we’re committed to creating a space that welcomes everyone, celebrates queer culture, and brings back the energy that made The Ritz special in the first place” .

Patrons have responded enthusiastically, with online reviews highlighting the upgraded atmosphere, improved amenities, and the club’s commitment to maintaining its playful spirit. “The Ritz got a facelift and now she’s BACK… tight, slick, and ready to party. The old messy charm? Still there. But now it’s wrapped in mood lighting, actual airflow, and furniture that doesn’t feel like a dare. And bathrooms no longer feel like a biohazard,” wrote one reviewer, reflecting the blend of nostalgia and excitement that defines the new Ritz .

For many LGBTQ+ people, venues like The Ritz are more than entertainment destinations—they are sanctuaries where chosen family is forged, identities are affirmed, and joy is shared. As one longtime patron put it, “I’m a gay man, and this is my home—this is my chosen family… it’s really great that we get to come together, we get to party, we get to celebrate, you know, and we get to escape. And I think the disco ball is at the center of all that” .

The Ritz’s resurgence is emblematic of a broader revival in New York’s queer nightlife, with other historic venues undergoing similar rebirths. But for many, The Ritz stands apart for its history, its sense of community, and its enduring commitment to inclusivity. With its doors open wide once more, the club is poised to continue shaping the narrative of queer life in New York City for years to come.

he Ritz offers both a reminder of the power of safe, affirming spaces and a testament to the resilience of queer culture. The club’s reopening, under queer ownership and with a dedication to community, marks not just a return, but a renewal—a promise that the heart of New York’s LGBTQ+ nightlife beats stronger than ever.

The Ritz Bar and Lounge is open daily from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., welcoming guests of all gender identities and orientations to experience the new chapter of a legendary venue .