GANYC Updates On COVID-19 and Tourism

We are aware of the fast-moving changes affecting our industry related to COVID-19 (the coronavirus), with new updates coming every hour seemingly. Please know that the elected Board at GANYC is working hard to stay on top of this issue, and to keep tour guides in the public's eye as the economic hardships multiply.

We have issued a press release to highlight the millions of dollars in losses being experienced by NYC guides amidst this crisis. We estimate the total loss to guides will be around $30 million.

In regards to GANYC events, we are moving to an online meeting for April and postponing all scheduled fam tours. We will keep members updated as info on our events schedule progresses, and we have more details on how we will be meeting remotely in the coming month.

And as NYC attractions close and events get cancelled, GANYC is tracking them via a Google Sheet, so that members can have a 1-stop resource to find out this information.  Members can log in to the site and find this document in our Announcements page.

And as a reminder, we are also compiling a separate registry of cancelled tours and revenue lost due to fears of the Coronavirus (also available in our Announcements section). We are doing this so we have statistics on hand should we need to ask for assistance as the downturn intensifies.  We encourage our members to pass that form to all NYC guides they know, whether or not they are GANYC members.

We also, of course, want all of our members to follow all CDC-recommended protocols on hand-washing and other health measures, seeing a doctor and/or self-quarantining if feeling ill, and avoiding direct contacts (hand shaking, etc). We want you all to stay as healthy as possible!

NY1 News did a spotlight on March 11 on how the virus is impacting the tourism in the city. GANYC President Emma Guest-Consales was interviewed to highlight us, and you can watch the video below.

Article link: City Tourism Dips Due to Coronavirus Spread


And here is audio of GANYC Vice President Michael Morgenthal's on-air interview on WFUV radio on March 19, about the devastation & uncertainty that COVID-19 is causing to tour guides in New York City:

Link for related WFUV article: Bleak Times for NYC Tour Guides


Finally, here is a segment from the BBC News on March 13, featuring GANYC Treasurer Jeremy Wilcox discussing the US federal government's handling of this crisis.

And here is a Politico article which features quotes from President Emma Guest-Consales.

GANYC is working with more media outlets to ensure that our industry is spoken for as economic relief packages are planned.

We thank you all for your continuing support, and we promise to keep fighting for guides, who serve as ambassadors to our great city.