New York City Mayor Eric Adams has signed legislation aimed at protecting hotel workers and guests while simultaneously strengthening the city’s booming tourism industry.

The new law, Intro. 0991, establishes comprehensive licensing requirements and safety standards for hotels across the city, ensuring a safer environment for both employees and visitors.

With projections estimating 64.5 million visitors to New York City in 2024 and record tourism levels anticipated in 2025, the legislation is a timely response to the ongoing recovery of the tourism economy, which is valued at $74 billion. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of safety in his remarks: “Our top priority from day one has been to keep people safe, and that includes protecting workers and tourists at our city’s hotels. That’s why we are expanding protections for the working-class New Yorkers who run our hotels and the guests who use them. The Safe Hotels Act ensures that our hotels are safe, healthy, and clean, and that our tourism industry can thrive and create jobs across the city. This is a win for working people, the tourism and hotel industry, and all New Yorkers and guests.”

First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer echoed these sentiments, stating, “Since we came into office, we’ve been laser focused on supporting the recovery of our $74 billion tourism economy. That includes attracting visitors from around the globe back to the five boroughs and supporting the hotel and hospitality industries that make New York City the best city in the world. The Safe Hotels Act will help us ensure the safety of our 62 million tourists as well as our city hotel workers.”

The legislation, sponsored by New York City Councilmember Julie Menin, mandates that hotels obtain a license from the city and maintain sufficient staff presence when guests are on-site. It further requires hotel operators to train employees on recognizing human trafficking and to provide them with panic buttons, while also stipulating that guest rooms be cleaned daily unless guests opt-out.

The impact of this legislation is underscored by the recent resurgence of the tourism industry, which generated over $74 billion last year, supporting more than 380,000 jobs and benefiting numerous small and minority-owned businesses. With major events on the horizon, including the FIFA World Cup 26™ in 2026, which is expected to attract over 1 million tourists to the region, the timing of this legislation is crucial.

New York City’s commitment to public safety is further illustrated by the recent announcement from the New York City Police Department regarding a 3.1 percent drop in major offenses, marking the ninth consecutive month of declining crime rates.

Councilmember Julie Menin highlighted the significance of the Safe Hotels Act, stating, “This landmark legislation requires hotels to obtain a license to operate in New York’s five boroughs, implements crucial safety measures such as panic buttons for housekeepers, human trafficking recognition training, and subcontracting restrictions for critical, public-facing hotel staff. I am profoundly grateful for the overwhelming support the Safe Hotels Act has received.”

Councilmember Shaun Abreu added, “Ensuring the safety and dignity of hotel workers is essential in a city that thrives on hospitality and tourism. This hotel safety bill is a vital step toward protecting both patrons and those who keep our hotels running smoothly.”

Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa also emphasized the need for such legislation: “Our hotels have been grounds for workplace harassment, health and hygiene concerns, and trafficking. The Safe Hotels Act brings a key component of the hospitality industry within a tourist hotspot into a licensing and regulatory framework that our visitors and workers desperately need.”

Rich Maroko, president of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, concluded, “The Safe Hotels Act will not only protect hotel guests and workers but ensure high quality hotel operations that will cement New York City’s status as a world-class hospitality destination. We thank Mayor Eric Adams for signing this critical legislation into law and prioritizing the well-being of the regular people who run New York’s tourism economy.”

With this new legislation, New York City takes a monumental step towards ensuring a safe and thriving environment within its hotel industry.