A recent Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) presentation provided some clarity in what's going on with NYC hotels—and by extension the tourists that populate them. While 39% of the city's hotels were closed during the depths of the pandemic, the number is just 8% now, with the end of this month expected to see close to zero. We did lose some rooms (mostly midtown economy), but the city is gaining them back—14,500 new units by the end of next year. Rates have held steady and group planning is just now starting to tick up. Overall the data suggests a strong comeback coming soon, which national headlines reiterate:
- “Survey results validate the appeal of lively city adventures in New York City.” Allianz Partners USA director of marketing and communications Daniel Durazo reports NYC is a top-10 destination as "Spring Break Bookings Are Soaring." Meanwhile, European bookings are feeling the impact of war, with search volume down 9% from expected levels.
- American comfort with vacationing hits a new Covid era high. Market research firm Morning Consult is tracking pent-up demand and seeing a tick upward in just the last week. (While leisure travel is strengthening, business is still lagging.)
- Tourism a key plank in Mayor Adams's economic development plan. The Mayor intends to boost outreach, improve public safety, and focus on city beautification.
From ice to wheels: Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace will open a roller rink at The Rink at Rockefeller Center on April 15th (it's the first time summer skating has been here since 1940!). Rendering: ImageFiction for Flipper’s and Tishman Speyer.
Links of Interest
City Winery New York hosted a Ukraine benefit with Eugene Hutz and Gogol Bordello, bringing in music royalty from Patti Smith to Suzanne Vega. They raised $130,000!! Photo by Daniel Efram.
NYC
- Times Square Alliance and OUTFRONT Media launch new campaign, Make Up for Lost Time in Times Square
- Danny Meyer's Manhatta aerie reopens downtown
- (And Meyer's Ci Siamo is now open in Manhattan West)
- Fanatics, Lids opening Paris Saint-Germain flagship on Fifth Avenue
- Brooklyn Chop House opens massive Times Square location
- Printfresh opening new SoHo flagship this weekend
- In-person First Saturdays return to the Brooklyn Museum
- Renovated David Geffen Hall reopening two years early: this October
OUTSIDE NYC
- Federal mask mandate on public transportation, set to expire March 18, extended one month, with plans to loosen in April
- Global business travel reaches 51% of 2019 levels
- Brand USA to receive $250 million in relief funding
New York City Association of Hotel Concierges (NYCAHC) Announces 2022 Board of Directors
At its January 2022 meeting, the Membership of the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges elected by acclamation its new Board of Directors and President. Two Board members also continue their service, and a vacancy has been filled by appointment. Congrats to all. City Guide looks forward to reconnecting with concierge friends in the coming weeks as the city accelerates its reopening to tourism.
Find more on President William Hawkins and the rest of the new board here.
Women In Tourism—Who Are the Honorees?
Next Monday, March 21st the Women In Tourism Awards, presented by American Airlines will reveal its inaugural class of honorees. There have been 200 nominations of amazing women, representing a broad variety of roles, experiences, and expertise. A distinguished panel of judges from across the tourism spectrum has weighed the nominations and selected the honorees. At noon on the 21st the honorees will be revealed in a livestream.
Mark your calendar for the presentation of the awards at a luncheon on May 10th at Sony Hall.
