In a significant move to enhance New York City’s booming tourism sector and ensure the safety of both visitors and employees, Mayor Eric Adams has announced the signing of the Safe Hotels Act, also known as Intro. 991.

This landmark legislation aims to establish stronger safety, staffing, and cleaning standards across the city’s hotels, alongside new licensing requirements to protect workers and guests alike.

Standing at the forefront of the bill signing, Mayor Adams praised the tireless efforts of Councilmember Julie Menin and the City Council in bringing this initiative to fruition. “Good to see you all, congratulations, Julie, you worked hard on this,” he remarked, acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the legislation.

The mayor highlighted the critical role hotels play in New York City’s economic landscape, noting their impact on employment and the overall tourist experience.

“New York City offers the experience of a lifetime for New Yorkers and tourists, and our hotels are real indicators on how well we’re doing as a city and our economy,” he stated.

With the city’s tourism numbers on the rise, welcoming 62 million tourists last year, Mayor Adams expressed optimism about surpassing these figures.

“Tourism is back… not only in Times Square, but throughout the entire city,” he said, emphasizing the importance of hotels in maintaining the city’s status as a global destination.

The Safe Hotels Act is set to bring about a transformative change, ensuring that both guests and employees feel secure while enjoying the unique allure of New York City.

“Employees and visitors should feel safe working and staying in the greatest city in the world,” Mayor Adams asserted.

The bill’s signing also drew commendation from HTC President Rich Maroko, who has been a steadfast advocate for the rights and safety of hotel workers. The event underscored the city’s commitment to bolstering its economy and improving public safety, promising significant benefits for all New Yorkers.

As the city prepares to implement these new standards, Mayor Adams invited public commentary, a testament to the inclusive approach taken in shaping this pivotal piece of legislation. “Oh, that’s a rarity. All New Yorkers agree with us, you know?” he humorously noted, underscoring the broad support for the initiative.

The formal signing of the bill will take place in the historic rotunda, where additional insights from the bill’s sponsors will be shared, marking a new chapter in New York City’s dedication to providing a safe and welcoming environment for its millions of visitors and residents alike.