To learn first-hand how New York hotels have experienced 2020 and their expectations for this year, we interviewed the Sra. Karyl krugley, US agent for Resuinsa in New York for 11 years and with a professional career of almost three decades in the American hotel industry.
How have New York hotels coped with the pandemic in the last year? Hotels have been devastated during the pandemic, the hotel industry has suffered insurmountable losses. Due to the loss of revenue between 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, several iconic hotels have closed and will not reopen. Some of them are the Roosevelt Hotel with 1,015 rooms, Hilton Times Square with 460 rooms, Hudson Hotel with 876 rooms, several AKA (long stay) properties… At the beginning of the pandemic, many hotels housed doctors and nurses. Others did it just to keep doors open and some income, even taking in the homeless population when shelters were overflowing.
Will the current global health crisis affect tourism in the US this year? Yes, definitely, during 2020 there was practically no type of tourism due to the global health crisis. Governments were trying to protect their residents by closing their borders and eliminating air traffic. As governments have cautiously reopened, I see a pent-up urge to travel for business and pleasure being felt. Life is beginning to reinvent itself to a “new normal.” Currently, my hotel clients are looking for merchandise to plan their reopens and most encouragingly, the new hotels are moving forward with their opening plans.
How is life in the United States after the administration of millions of vaccines? Life in New York is certainly improving now that many of us have been vaccinated, although most people remain cautious. Since last week, New York State Governor Andrew Mark Cuomo lifted the order to wear masks outdoors and in many indoor places. I will personally continue to use it. There is still a large part of the population that does not believe in the vaccine and until we achieve “herd immunity” there is still a slight fear.
Are you already noticing any reactivation of tourism in New York? Thank God yes, tourism is making a comeback with local tourists, as well as national and international business and leisure travelers.
What hotels in New York do you recommend for Spaniards? I have many to recommend, I list some of my favorites: InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel, Innside New York Nomad, Public Hotel … each of them offers a different experience. It should be remembered that the second language of New York is Spanish, which makes it easier for Spanish tourists who visit it.
How do Americans see Spain as a tourist destination? We Americans love to travel, especially to Europe! As soon as Spain feels comfortable to allow American tourists to visit, it will see them return for both business and leisure trips. In Spain you will always be able to enjoy its wonderful culture, welcoming people, its delicious cuisine and its wines.
