CONTACT:
Rick Amato
Hotel Association of New York City, Inc.
(212) 754-6700
EMAIL: ramato@hanyc.org
Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC)
Arranges assistance Program for Families of Victims
of Twin Towers Tragedy
NEW YORK, NY - September 20, 2001 -- The Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) has arranged through NYC & Company a Family Assistance Program to provide accommodations for immediate family members of those missing or deceased as a result of the recent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. This service can be accessed through a newly established toll-free New York City Visitor Hotline at 1-888-805-4040. Lodging is being provided where possible on a complimentary basis or at significantly reduced rates. The 24-hour hotline also provides general visitors information.
"The Hotel Association of New York City is working closely with our member hotels and NYC & Company to house as many family members as possible," says Joseph E. Spinnato, president of HANYC.
Spinnato says the hotel community in New York City is "fully operational and open for business" with the exception of three HANYC member hotels that were effected by the tragedy. These are the Marriott World Trade Center, the Marriott Financial Center and the Millenium Hilton at 55 Church Street.
Spinnato says that New York City hotels currently have availability and welcome guests from all over the country. In a recent press statement delivered on September 16, New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Guiliani encouraged people who want to help New York City: "I have a great way of helping: come here and spend money. Go to a restaurant, a play…The life of the city goes on…"
"We are extremely proud of all of New York City's residents and businesses that have come together at this difficult time to engage in all sorts of community initiatives and charitable endeavors on behalf of our hometown," says Cristyne F. Lategano-Nicholas, president and CEO of NYC & Company.
Updates regarding participating hotels in the Family Assistance Program can be found on the HANYC's web site at www.hanyc.org. More information and updates about tourism in New York City can be found on NYC & Company's web site at www.nycvisit.com.
The Hotel Association of New York City, established in 1878, represents 189 of the City's finest hotels, representing more than 60,000 rooms and 30,000 employees. The industry is an integral part of tourism, the city's second largest revenue producer.
