Virginia Democrats have introduced two House bills that would tax several services, including travel and event planning, but the House's Finance Committee has tabled consideration of the measures until 2027.
ASTA is strongly opposed to the bills, HB 900 and HB 978. ASTA CEO Zane Kerby said he sent the committee a letter explaining the trade group's opposition.
Kerby argued that consumers would seek travel advisors in states where they don't have to pay additional taxes.
"Plainly, any additional tax would put travel agencies in Virginia at a competitive disadvantage with advisors in other nearby states," Kerby said. "Ultimately, this would have a negative effect on their business and their financial bottom line."
A tax on advisors would also negatively affect the state's economy, he added. Virginia is home to nearly 5,800 travel advisors, according to ASTA, who generated around $2.2 billion in sales in 2024.