ASTA on Monday bemoaned the U.S. State Department’s advisory
that U.S. citizens, particularly those with underlying health conditions, avoid
traveling by cruise ship because of concerns over the Covid-19
coronavirus.
“Given the importance of the cruise industry to travel
advisors, ASTA is gravely concerned about the impact of this advisory on our
members’ businesses,” ASTA CEO Zane Kerby said in an emailed statement. “As we
shared with the White House before the advisories were issued, the vast
majority of cruise trips go off without a hitch. Government actions should
reflect that fact and be targeted and temporary. We hope this advisory lasts
days, not weeks.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is
“increased risk of infection of Covid-19 in a cruise ship environment,” the
State Department wrote.
Many countries have implemented strict screening procedures
that have resulted in ships being denied entry to certain ports. Over the
weekend, three ships were denied entry at ports in the United States. The Grand
Princess had to circle around international waters off San Francisco Bay
because 19 crew members and two guests tested positive for coronavirus. The
ship was eventually allowed to dock in Oakland on Monday.
Kerby’s comments came two days after Vice President Mike
Pence met with leaders of major cruise lines as part of a new coronavirus task
force. The leaders pledged to cooperate to come up with a plan that would
include enhanced entry and exit screening and onboard testing.
CLIA also sent out a statement on Monday in response to the
State Department’s advisory.
“We are staying focused on development of an aggressive,
responsive plan as agreed to during the meeting with Vice President Pence that
goes beyond the already significantly enhanced protocols in place, which we
believe are a model for others,” CLIA said.
Kerby said that there are 365 cruise ships and nearly 700,000
passengers sailing per day worldwide. Most don’t have a coronavirus problem.
“A targeted focus on cruising is a distraction from the real
issue of community spread,” he said. “Telling the traveling public to avoid
cruising and painting the entire industry with a broad ‘high risk’ brush stroke
is irresponsible and adds to the ‘info-demic’ gripping the public. Those who
have underlying health conditions should consult their physician to evaluate a
variety of activities, including travel.”
ASTA has 12,000 members across the country, and 98% are
small businesses, Kerby said. Many depend on cruise sales to make their living.
He urged the Trump administration to work with Congress to
come up with a legislative package of “targeted relief for the travel industry,
especially the small businesses at its core.”
ASTA on Tuesday will testify before the U.S. House of
Representatives Small Business Committee to provide examples of how Congress
can help travel advisors, such as federal grants and regulatory relief.