Terror Attack Aftermath: NYC Hotels Beef Up Security For Holiday Rush

The world mourned as a Russian plane, French restaurants and a hotel in Mali succumbed to brutal terrorist attacks. Fear struck not just these locations but also in the hearts of others as ISIS released videos threatening similar attacks on New York City, raising questions about the preparedness of the city’s tourism and hospitality industry.

“Since the latest events of last week in France and of course today in Mali, and of course the other unfortunate thing that occurred just a couple of days ago that there has been increase with regard to additional coverage, additional security personnel being added to staff,” said Jimmy Chin, Chairman of the Security/Safety Committee of the Hotels Association of New York.

Chin refused to further disclose the present hotel security procedures or future plans in the light of recent threats, but he did say that since the 9/11 attacks, hotels co-ordinate closely with law enforcement agencies on matters of security and intelligence.

The holiday season, Chin said, presents a challenge every year as tourists flood into hotel lobbies to enjoy Christmas decorations.

Just three days before the Paris attack, NYC & Company, New York City’s marketing, tourism and partnership organization said in a press release that it expects approximately 5.2 million visitors between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

New York Police chief William Bratton tried to dispel fears of a possible threat to New Yorkers and tourists during the holidays in a press conference last week. “As we move into this time of year of great celebration and great activity in New York, the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, the holiday celebrations that will bring millions to this city, people can feel comfortable coming into this city, enjoying themselves, celebrate, be aware but do not be afraid,” he said.

Though Bratton dismisses the recent threat made against New York City, the multiple terrorist attacks in Paris and the siege in Mali are reminiscent of the Mumbai terror attack in 2008 that saw both a public massacre and a hotel hostage situation. With gory precedents across the globe, has the hospitality industry stepped up its security game to prevent similar misfortune from befalling New York City?

David Shepherd, an hotel security expert, feels hotels needed to plan for security well in advance and not just in response to any concrete threats. “One of the biggest advantages we have is that we have an excellent intelligence network,” he said. “We cannot wait for something to happen; we need to plan ahead of time.”