“If I can make it there I’ll make it anywhere”, as a famous song goes. If New York, the center of global hospitality, is experiencing a recovery, it is good news for everyone. But how has the Big Apple experienced this year and what are the future predictions? We asked Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of The NYC Hospitality Alliance, the non-profit association that brings together 24,000 New York locals.

Can you tell us how the city experienced the pandemic and what the current situation is?

The New York restaurant industry has been devastated by COVID-19. Thousands of businesses have closed and many more are on the verge of survival. There are about 130,000 fewer workers in the restaurants and bars of our city. The industry needs more government support in order to save as many ailing restaurants as possible. Despite this, I have no doubt that catering will eventually return to previous levels, because people love to eat, drink and socialize. So I'm cautiously optimistic, but the road to recovery is still long.

What trends do you see?

Right now the focus is on recovery. Outdoor dining, loved by many, will become a permanent feature of the city's restaurant industry and urban landscape. Restaurateurs are also thinking about how to attract and keep workers, because there is a shortage of labor at the moment, even if unemployment is high.

How important is sustainability?

Many restaurants focus on sustainable practices such as purchasing organic and/or locally sourced products. New York City just passed a law restricting plastic straws, and many restaurants are voluntarily trying to reduce their waste and environmental impact in ways that often result in saving money, such as providing forks and knives of plastic with takeaway food only on request. Of course there is also the aspect of marketing that attracts customers.

How do you see the role of the exhibitions held in presence?

Trade shows are an excellent place for restaurateurs to learn about new products and services, meet their salespeople in person, do business and network with other people in the industry.

I'm interested in how technology and virtual encounters will affect the future of exhibitions.

Will you be at Host2021 and what will you look for?

I'll be there and watch as much as possible. I am always impressed with the incredible diversity of options at HostMilano and I think that as we come out of the pandemic, the social aspect of meeting in person will make the show even more special this year.