Time magazine has recognized Portland as one of 2022’s World’s Greatest Places, declaring it a city where “all are welcome.”

The city of Roses was among 50 cities and landmarks recognized for offering travelers unique experiences, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. The destinations on the list are often places recovering from economic downfall of the pandemic and thriving nonetheless, the magazine writes.

Time credits Portland with continually adapting to the needs of its residents and commends city updates to tourist attractions and inclusivity.

That’s perhaps at odds with the city’s reputation, which has taken a beating in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, eruptions of social unrest, rising costs and an increase in crime have had an impact on tourism in the city, and some residents’ affinity for their city.

Even so, the magazine touted a slew of new projects occurring in the city, including the installation of the Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, which will ease travel for pedestrians and cyclists between the Lloyd District and close-in southeast Portland.

The magazine also noted new and updated lodging and improvements at Portland International Airport. It highlights a makeover at the Ace Hotel in Downtown, the new Moxy Portland Downtown, which features a lobby bar stocked with board games, and the dog-friendly Hotel Grand Stark as positive additions.

Travelers still aren’t coming to Portland in the numbers seen before the pandemic, though.

The Port of Portland is expecting an increase in travel this summer compared to last year, but still far less than pre-pandemic. In May 2019, 1.7 million people flew in or out of Portland. In May, that number was 1.3 million.

And Portland’s hotels are still collecting far less in lodging taxes, reflecting less demand for hotel rooms. Lodging tax revenue is projected to be $3.4 million less in 2022 than in 2019, according to Travel Portland. A full recovery isn’t expected until 2024 at the earliest.