M&R Managers Meet NYC Mayor at Tourism Event
SpringHill Suites New York Manhattan Times Square General Manager Tanya Jamal and Assistant General Manager Sana Arshad had the opportunity to meet New York City Mayor Eric Adams at an event last month centered on the city’s hotel market and its outlook in light of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 international soccer tournament.
A key topic of discussion was the impact of current travel restrictions on New York's hotel industry, which has seen a significant dip in international tourist arrivals driven by a combination of U.S. immigration policies, global economic uncertainty, tariffs and political concerns.
Despite international travel lagging from Canada, Germany, Mexico and Brazil, Adams said he remains optimistic. He called Times Square “the heartbeat of our tourist dollar” and emphasized the critical role Midtown hotels play in sustaining not just hospitality but the city’s broader economic and cultural vitality. He encouraged stakeholders to view the current slowdown as a temporary disruption rather than a long-term setback.
NYC tourism officials also remain hopeful. According to NYC Tourism + Conventions, international visitor numbers are seeing a 17% decline this year, which means around 2 million fewer foreign tourists compared with 2024. Despite the challenges, the organization is running a new campaign titled With Love + Liberty, New York City in overseas markets to attract travelers back. The message is “New York City is open for business,” said Julie Coker, CEO and president of the agency. “And while we have hit a bump in the road, we’re here when you’re ready to visit.”
Adams reinforced his belief that major events like the World Cup will offset declines and further elevate New York’s tourism recovery. “They will be spending money, and who does it better than New York City when it comes down to our hotels, our entertainment, Times Square,” he said.
Much of the conversation looked ahead to FIFA World Cup 26, billed as the world’s premier international football competition – or soccer, to Americans – to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Forty-eight teams are scheduled to play 104 matches in 16 cities, kicking off June 11, 2026, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and running through to the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
New York City and the broader region are expected to benefit significantly, with over 1 million global visitors projected. Nearly half of these travelers may not attend matches yet are still expected to spend on hotels, entertainment, dining and retail. The event is estimated to generate over $2 billion in economic impact, according to NYC.gov.
