NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- New York is set to make a “first in the nation” type of investment of nearly a half-billion dollars into its tourism businesses and for businesses that had their grand openings wrecked by the pandemic.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced her $450 million “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” recovery package in support of the state’s tourism business, as well as businesses that opened up just before or during the pandemic.
"The only way we're going to say that New York is truly back is when the tourism industry is back as well,” said Hochul. “I believe they are interconnected - our success as a state and the success of this industry.”
Hochul made the announcement at the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan, alongside I LOVE NY reps and businesses that are due to be helped by the package.
Hochul said $100 million will go toward one-time payments in support of the hardest-hit tourism workers. She noted that will mean about $2,700 each for about 36,000 people.
Another $100 million will be for grants to encourage tourism employers to rehire staff.
“Bring them back now, hold on to them for at least six months, and we'll give you $5,000 for every full-time employee you keep over six months,” Hochul explained.
About $25 million will be used to bring in convention center and hotel events, while another $25 million will go to global and domestic marketing, including to those from Europe to let them know New York is welcoming them back.
Hochul’s administration also committed to advancing legislation that would expand the Small Business Recovery Program for businesses started just before or during the pandemic, which would be backed with $200 million.
“We had a program before. We need to put more money into it. We've already provided $325 million in assistance to 20,000 small businesses already,” she said. “Let's keep that money flowing for these individuals.”
Hochul told the museum audience that she has kept a constant effort to “make New York fun again” in her short time as governor.
“I want people to feel that vitality, that energy that all of us knew before the pandemic that we just embraced as part of our DNA,” said Hochul.
The move directly coincides with the U.S. fully reopening its borders with Mexico and Canada and lifting restrictions on travel that covered most of Europe.
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Hochul apologized for increased traffic at airports and on roadways as more people are welcomed back in New York, but underscored how that’s a good sign. She pointed to Billy Joel’s return to Madison Square Garden and Broadway being in full swing for the holiday season as some other good signs.
“We have our Canadian tourists coming back, people in the North Country and Western New York are very excited to start seeing license plates from Ontario and Quebec,” said Hochul. “And, I can see Canada from my house, and I'm very excited about seeing more traffic on the bridges as we cross over.”
But the governor underscored that the state isn’t where it should be just yet.
“There are so many jobs that are still not back yet and we cannot be blind to this any longer,” she said. “We cannot just say they'll be back tomorrow; just keep holding on. People have been holding on a long time since they lost their extended unemployment benefits back in September.”
New York boasted its low COVID-19 infection rate as well — which is 2.59% over the last week. The numbers by region vary — with New York City at the lowest level with 1.13%, and the Finger Lakers at the highest with 6.56%.
According to the CDC, over 88% of New Yorkers have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose so far.