WASHINGTON, D.C. -- During last week's Legislative Day, ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby joked that the government shutdown was great for alleviating D.C. traffic. That was the only silver lining.
Addressing travel advisors in attendance on Oct. 7, Kerby said, "When the headlines are dominated by gridlock, it's easier for policymakers to forget about the everyday people and small businesses that power this country who are going to bear the consequences of their decisions. That's why it's especially important for you to be here today."
ASTA said that most Legislative Day meetings with congressional staffers happened as scheduled, but there ended up being about 20 cancellations. Jessica Klement, ASTA's vice president of advocacy, said they would be rescheduled as virtual meetings in the future.
More than 200 travel professionals representing 43 states converged on Capitol Hill to meet with staffers and lawmakers about the issues most pressing to the travel agency community. Klement praised the travel advisors who came despite the shutdown.
"I've been really impressed with the advisors who are coming here anyway, who are ready to meet with their members of Congress," Klement said.
"Just because the government stops operating doesn't mean travel advisors do," she added.
Klement advised the delegation to avoid talking politics during meetings, but added that acknowledging the shutdown could be appropriate when thanking staffers for their time during a stressful period.
"The vibe, it's tense on the Hill," Klement said.
But for Legislative Day attendees, she said, the task was "to stay above the fray" and continue with their meetings.