Hotels in New York City had a good year in 2013, ironically in part due to the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. The year following Sandy saw an almost 90 percent occupancy rate, according to the city’s budget which was released last week.
A contributing factors was record arrivals, but people seeking shelter in the aftermath of the worst storm in New York City history also boosted occupancy.
According to the city, 4.4 percent more hotel rooms were booked in 2013, in part because of relief workers and displaced residents who stayed in rooms under the city’s Hotel Program.
At its height, the Hotel Program housed more than 3,000 households made homeless by Sandy. Though their numbers decreased throughout the year, several hundred remained when the program was terminated at the end of October.
In the coming year, the tourism industry is predicted to stay strong, with city hotel rooms being occupied at a rate of over 80 percent. Jobs in the industry are also expected to grow. About 10,000 jobs are expected to be added between 2014 and 2018 in the leisure and hospitality industry.
