This week, Eye on Travel broadcasts from the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York. Peter updates the current air travel situation on this Thanksgiving weekend, and what to expect for the rest of the year. Arnie Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly, on the intersection of the COVID-19 vaccine and the incoming president. Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company, on how New York recovers from COVID-19 and the next steps ahead, with or without Broadway opening. And Ron Schweiger, Brooklyn’s chief historian, talks about all things Brooklyn – and why it’s been New York’s “hot” borough for the last few years. And he’ll clue us in on his secret tour of the real underground hidden gem of Brooklyn. There’s all this and more as Eye on Travel broadcasts from the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Arnie Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly, speaks about the acceleration of medicine and what people will remember about this pandemic in years to come. How will safety on cruise lines progress? Arnie discusses this and the future of recyclable bed sheets – yes, recyclable – and how we may see similar adaptations in the rest of the travel industry. He also shares his predictions for the incoming administration and what other countries around the world are doing to stimulate travel. Will the U.S. follow suit? It’ll be a dark winter for the travel industry, and there are some ideas about the next stimulus package that could have a positive impact.

Fred Dixon, President & CEO of NYC & Company, speaks about preparing for the New York recovery, the status of Broadway and rediscovering the streets of the Big Apple. Peter and Fred speak about the hidden cultural gems in the city and the current local focus that is allowing the city’s diversity to shine. But there are also challenges and obstacles that must be met. Fred discusses these as well as the strive to highlight the boroughs and neighborhoods and help create jobs. And how do you really discover New York’s neighborhoods? Fred argues that getting lost is the best thing you can do.

Marty Markowitz, Former Brooklyn Borough President & New York Senator, dives into the area’s uniqueness and how it is overcoming these challenging times. He chats about the Yankees and how to have a good time in New York City, no matter where you’re coming from. He says it’s a great time to do it. We’re living in tough times, but Marty argues that New York will come out strong on the other side.

Brian Kelly, Founder & CEO at The Points Guy, speaks about non-travel redemption options that are lacking with the airlines – hoarding miles isn’t smart, but can we do right now? Brain argues that the spiking cases of Covid-19 are casting a dark cloud over the travel industry –  hopefully the new administration will put in place new, enforceable rules for people coming into the country. Then, why has the Department of Transportation not made it a federal rule to wear a mask? Brian shares his views on the issue and the lack of control shown by the current administration. Finally, all about TPG (The Points Guy) Awards and its winners. 

Sam Ibrahim, General Manager at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge, speaks about the changes in the hotel and the massive diversity to be found in the city – from the new buildings, colleges and great food scene. He also chats about the misconceptions about the borough, the Lebanese food and how things have changed since when he was first there.

Ron Schweiger, Brooklyn Borough Historian, joins the program to chat about all things Brooklyn – how it changed, its extensive history and population story and why it has been the “hot” borough for the last few years. Then, Ron shares Brooklyn’s “personality.” He gives us a brief history on accents and shares some of the most surprising aspects about the borough. Some of these will make you forget you’re in New York City. Ron further shares what has become his favorite pastime during the pandemic, and it’s a hidden gem!

Linda Johnson, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Library, talks to Peter about how the library opens worlds to people at a young age and how it has weathered the pandemic. It has now become a virtual world. She converses about its new program that brings Brooklyn’s library system to the world and the treasure trove of material. She also discusses the library’s merger with the Brooklyn Historical Society. It’s now the most extensive Brooklyn collection and history information center in the world.

Michael Rogak, Son of a Son of a Candymaker & Owner of JoMart, explains the history of his family chocolate business and how Brooklyn became the headquarters. He discusses the different types of delicacies and how he came up with his “Brooklyn Chunky.” Michael then reveals his most special item and what the number one seller is at the moment. Then, we go down memory lane and revisit the candies of yesterday, and Michael explains why he uses the ingredients he uses and how it relates to the experience at JoMart.