Statement by Joseph E. Spinnato, President and CEO, Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC)

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Oct 25, 2010, 03:08 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- "There is a misperception about a massive bedbug infestation in New York City hotels. The perception is simply wrong, triggered by reports of isolated incidents which have been professionally and thoroughly treated according to the most rigorous industry standards.

"According to the National Pest Management Association, there has been an increase in bedbugs in America over the last several years. The increase has had a minimal impact on the vast majority of hotels, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA).

"The AH&LA also notes that bedbugs are brought into hotels from outside sources. This is not a hotel cleanliness issue.

"Bedbugs have been found in commercial, residential and industrial buildings. Some have attributed the resurgence in bedbugs to restrictions on the use of certain pesticides that have been banned.

"HANYC members are on high alert with respect to any condition that might disturb the comfort of our guests, including bedbugs. We are aggressively addressing this problem by training housekeeping staff on bedbug detection, having inspections by pest control experts, and treating any infestations immediately. The comfort of our guests is our top priority."

SOURCE Hotel Association of New York City