ASTA is calling on members to lobby for the inclusion of
travel agencies in the next, and likely final, round of coronavirus relief.
The Society has set up a portal to send messages legislators.
ASTA can provide a phone script to those who prefer calling.
“Because of state-by-state quarantines, international border
closures and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s no-sail order
affecting cruises, among other factors, travel demand is still at a small
fraction of pre-pandemic levels,” ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby wrote in a
message to members. “Sadly, travel is no closer to the recovery many expected
would come in the second half of 2020 when the federal Cares Act was passed in
March.”
With many Cares Act programs expiring and no new relief measures in place, Kerby said travel agencies are in
a precarious position, facing business closures and layoffs.
Congress is beginning to work on the next round of
coronavirus relief legislation.
ASTA has held over 70 meetings with legislators and their
staff, with more to come. Kerby told members, “It’s imperative that you add
your voice to the chorus.”
The Society has a number of requests for the next round of
relief, including expanding the Paycheck Protection Program and providing
additional funding for the Emergency Economic Injury Program.
ASTA isn’t alone in
asking for further coronavirus relief. The U.S. Travel Association is asking for a number of relief measures, like extending the Paycheck Protection Program
and expanding its eligibility to destination marketing organizations.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association has asked for
the creation of hotel industry relief opportunities under the authority of the
Federal Reserve and Treasury, among other requests.