Hotel & Tourism Groups Endorse Hochul for Governor

Hotel Assn. of NYC and NYS Hospitality & Tourism Assn. add their support to Gov. Hochul’s Campaign

NEW YORK & ALBANY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hotel Association of New York City together with the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, two of the country’s oldest professional trade groups, today announced their joint endorsement of Governor Kathy Hochul, citing her longstanding support and her comprehensive recovery package to revitalize New York’s essential tourism industry.

The hotel and tourism industry is a critical component of New York’s economy, providing in excess of $20 billion in annual state revenue. Many hotels across the state have been shuttered either temporarily or permanently, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of hospitality jobs.

“A strong, thriving hotel and tourism industry is a key component of New York’s economic success,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “As part of my administration’s effort to accelerate our recovery from the pandemic, we have launched a nation-leading plan to revitalize our hospitality sector and support the thousands of working families who rely upon it. I am proud to earn endorsements from two vital associations who share my bold vision for New York’s future.”

Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO, Hotel Association of New York City, said: “Governor Kathy Hochul has demonstrated a clear understanding of the unprecedented difficulties faced by the hotel and tourism sector, acting quickly to provide meaningful relief while ensuring her ongoing support for our long-term recovery.”

Mark Dorr, President, New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, continued: “Governor Hochul has long been one of the biggest proponents for tourism in New York including her tenure as Lieutenant Governor when she actively promoted the critical economic activity our industry brings to every part of the state. We need her in our corner and in the Executive Chamber for the next four years.”

Fred Grapstein, Chairman, Hotel Association of New York City, said: "Governor Hochul has demonstrated steady leadership in balancing her administration's response to the resurgent pandemic with the economic needs of the state. Her understanding of tourism's essential function as a driver of jobs and activity throughout New York’s economy is evident and we offer her our full support."

Governor Hochul previously announced a $450 million recovery package intended to bolster the state’s beleaguered tourism industry which, among other measures, directs $100 million in payments to unemployed hospitality workers, adds $100 million in incentives to employers to rehire laid-off tourism workers and provides $25 million in grants to help convention centers attract events.

Leaders of both associations, as well as forecasts issued by industry economists, predict a long recovery that will take several years for the hotel and tourism sectors to fully recover to pre-pandemic metrics.

“Even while business was completely decimated, the hospitality industry stepped up throughout the pandemic, working with our partners in government to shelter tens of thousands of homeless New Yorkers as well as first responders and health care workers. We trust that under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York will be there for our businesses and workers as we continue the long road to recovery,” Dandapani added.

About HANYC

Established in 1878, the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc. is one of the oldest professional trade associations in the nation. Its membership includes 280 of the finest hotels in New York City, representing more than 80,000 hotel rooms and tens of thousands of employees. https://hanyc.org/

About NYSHTA

The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) is the oldest state lodging association in the country. Founded in 1887 in Saratoga Springs, NYSH&TA originally represented New York state's lodging industry. Today the association includes members from nearly all segments of the tourism industry. NYSH&TA represents more than 1,100 members including hotels, motels, resorts, conference centers, country inns, bed & breakfast establishments, reservation service organizations, amusement parks, attractions, museums, ski areas, recreational facilities, historical sites, convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, colleges and universities, hospitality students and suppliers to the industry. https://www.nyshta.org/