New York City has introduced a major legislative shift aimed at improving safety and operational standards in the city's hotel industry.
The Safe Hotels Act, signed into law by Mayor Eric Adams on 19 November 2024, sets new requirements for hotel safety, employee training, cleanliness, and licensing, marking a significant step forward in protecting both workers and visitors.
The legislation will take effect on 3 May 2025, and it is designed to further enhance the city’s tourism sector, which is on track to achieve record visitor numbers in the coming years.
Key provisions of the Safe Hotels Act
The legislation requires all hotels in the city to obtain a license to operate, with compliance to stringent safety standards, including panic buttons for employees working in guest rooms.
Hotels will also be mandated to provide human trafficking recognition training for staff members, a measure that aims to combat trafficking in one of the world’s largest tourism destinations.
The law also stipulates that hotel rooms must be cleaned daily unless a guest explicitly declines the service. It further requires that front desk staff and security personnel remain on-site whenever guests are staying, ensuring greater oversight and responsiveness.
These changes are designed to bolster safety for both workers and guests, especially in light of the increasing numbers of visitors expected over the next few years, including during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in New Jersey, which are anticipated to bring over one million tourists to the region.
Economic context and industry impact
This legislation builds on the recent recovery of New York City’s tourism industry, which in 2023 generated $74 billion, supporting more than 380,000 hospitality jobs across the city.
The law aims to protect the workforce that underpins this vital sector, while enhancing the city’s appeal as a world-class destination. According to First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, the law will streamline licensing processes to avoid disruptions to hotel operations.
However, while larger hotel chains are expected to adapt more easily to these changes, some smaller or independent establishments may face challenges meeting the new requirements, particularly with respect to the costs of implementing employee training, installing panic buttons, and maintaining heightened hygiene standards.
Support and opposition
The legislation has received strong backing from various advocacy groups and political figures, including New York City Councilmember Julie Menin, who sponsored the bill.
She noted, “The Safe Hotels Act ensures that our hotels are safe, healthy, and clean, and that our tourism industry can thrive.” However, some critics warn that the additional regulatory burden could strain smaller hotels, potentially leading to higher room rates or even closures.
Supporters of the law, including labour organisations such as the Hotel Trades Council (HTC), argue that the changes are crucial for creating a safer environment for both hotel workers and guests.
Rich Maroko, president of the HTC, emphasised, "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."
With the legislation set to take effect in 2025, it represents a critical step towards improving hotel safety, addressing long-standing worker concerns, and securing New York City's position as a leader in global tourism.
