how does the hotel industry in New York City affect or influence any
if not all of the following: our economy, culture, employment,
politics-regulations,taxes, and any other external environmental
factors?

New York City = NYC is unique in many ways, so the two story motels
are rare except on Long Island. There are otherwise few alternatives
to a hotel for short term visitors to NYC. The tourist home and
boarding house that was popular 70 years ago, has largely disappeared
not only in NYC, but most everywhere in the USA. Hotels have monopoly
in NYC. If Hotel rooms were in short supply or rates were excessive,
many of the NYC activities would move out of the city, badly effecting
the economy of NYC and the other things you mentioned. The amount of
tax collected would perhaps halve requiring a drastic reduction in
city services provided. I don't think the Hotels are major poluters,
but the lack of tax revenue for NYC would indirectly increase
enviournmental problems.  Neil