America
Below is a list of non-scholarly publications (such as newspaper articles and news reports) describing steps being taken to reduce visitor harassment at various destinations around the world.
NORTH AMERICA
USA: NYC may regulate Times Square costumed performers seeking tips
By BBC News
Published: March 30, 2016
New York City's council is considering legislation to restrict where performers dressed as characters like Elmo and Spiderman can solicit business. The costumed performers now roam freely in Manhattan's busy Times Square, the heart of the theatre district…..more
USA: Task force looks to end tourist harassment at Staten Island
By Rachel Shapiro
Updated: February 25, 2016
The harassment of tourists around the Whitehall Ferry Terminal has gotten to be too much for one Staten Island man, who is putting together a team of concerned people to tackle the issue....more
USA: Times Square Batman arrested for walking around the Crossroads of the World
By Anthony DelMundo
Published: February 10, 2016
A Times Square performer dressed as the caped crusader found himself on the wrong side of the law Tuesday for WWB — Walking While Batman. Dejected Dark Knight Jose Escalona-Martinez was stopped outside the American Eagle Outfitters on Broadway and W. 46th St. about 2:30 p.m., handcuffed and detained for 30 minutes after he was seen walking toward Father Duffy Square — a forbidden zone for costumed characters — a source said….more
USA: New York police form special unit to combat panhandling topless women
By Agencies
Published: August 26, 2015
The New York Police Department is creating a new unit to patrol Times Square amid growing complaints over panhandling costumed characters and topless women. Chief of Department James O'Neill said Wednesday officials will recruit 50 additional officers to the Crossroads of the World, bringing the number there to 100 by this fall ……more
USA: Bill de Blasio launches 'city task force' to deal with topless women and costumed characters in Times Square
By Hunter Walker
Published: August 20, 2015
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is launching a "multiagency City task force" to "address the growing problem of topless individuals and costume characters in Times Square." De Blasio announced the move on Friday following days of headlines noting women who are making money by soliciting tips in Times Square while wearing nothing but body paint…..more
USA: Las Vegas attempts to tame rowdy Fremont Street experience
By Kimberly Pierceall
Published: July 30, 2015
A bawdy gauntlet of street performers and tip-seeking costumed characters crowding Las Vegas’ Fremont Street have been driving tourists away, city leaders said as they moved toward imposing new rules to rein in the rowdy atmosphere....more
USA: City to Elmo: Get your paws off the tourist lady
By Emily Laermer
Published: June 29, 2015
Elmo, Spider-Man and other costumed characters parading around Times Square need to be taught a lesson, lawmakers say....more
USA: Locals fed up with aggressive Empire State Building ticket hawkers
By DNAinfo Staff
Published: June 27, 2011
Aggressive ticket-sellers hawking an Empire State Building ride have grown more brazen since a court order halted a police crackdown, residents and office workers complain....more
