ASTA applauded President Biden's approval this weekend of funding that will create the office of the assistant secretary of commerce for travel and tourism.
Having a high-level leader in the federal government focused on travel
and tourism policy will help protect travel agencies, according to the Society.
"The Covid 19 pandemic highlighted the scattered nature of government oversight and authority of the U.S. travel and tourism industry," ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby said in a statement. "Contending with various agencies and ever-changing rules while struggling to keep their businesses alive put unnecessary and avoidable hardships on travel advisors during an already stressful time."
The new position, he added, will both "better prepare for the next catastrophe" and "elevate travel policy moving forward."
ASTA has been supportive of creating the position and lobbied for the move during its annual fly-in, Legislative Day, last year.
The Society urged the president to nominate an appointee for the role "swiftly."