HOTELS Magazine: Briefs: Tax break for NYC hoteliers | EU moves to reopen borders
By Jeff Weinstein
May 20, 2021
Tax break for NYC hoteliers: Much-needed relief for New York City’s hotel industry materialized on Wednesday when Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an Executive Order eliminating the 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax rate for three months, starting June 1 through the end of August. The mayor’s office said that the order could lower the cost of rooms, which will help increase demand and build occupancy. This Executive Order comes on the heels of NYC & Company’s US$30 million “NYC Reawakens” marketing campaign, which highlights the city’s attractions to help bring back tourism. “Albeit temporary, we think it is a quick and very necessary shot in the arm and will spur domestic travel,” Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, told HOTELS on Wednesday. “International, as you know, remains closed.”