ATA Visits the Capitol
Each year, leaders in the travel industry travel to Washington, DC to educate policymakers and advocate for the needs and interests of the industry at Destination Capitol Hill—a two-day program that includes a legislative day and a second day of advocacy training, guest speakers, and industry networking.
This Year's Advocacy Focus Points
ATA Executive Vice President (and former National Tour Association Chair) Chase Poffenberger joined current NTA Chair Debra Asberry, NTA President Catherine Prather, and other travel industry leaders at Destination Capitol Hill on April 5-6, 2022 to advocate for four main “asks” to jumpstart the industry:
- Rebuilding the travel workforce by expanding the number of H2B and J1 visas for seasonal workers
- Restoring international inbound and outbound travel by dropping testing requirements
- Reigniting face-to-face meetings and business travel
- Reimagining the role of travel and tourism in the global economy by authorizing a cabinet-level appointee for global travel
Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022
In addition to these four asks, NTA also prioritized advocacy for the Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022—a bipartisan bill that would provide $55 billion to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This funding also includes $13 billion set aside for a new Hard Hit Industries Award Program, which will provide assistance for small businesses (of 200 or fewer employees) that have experienced at least 40% in lost revenue, regardless of their industry.
Last week, more than 230 travel industry leaders gathered in-person for #DCH22 to share our industry’s top priorities for growing a dynamic and inclusive #FutureOfTravel. Thank you to our industry colleagues who joined us for a successful day on #CapitolHill! pic.twitter.com/7Zn13FqI6v
— U.S. Travel (@USTravel) April 11, 2022
ATA has sent staff representation to attend Destination Capitol Hill for over 10 years and remains steadfast with its commitment to advocate for industry needs and interests. And as a company that enthusiastically calls Washington, DC home, it’s especially thrilling to welcome industry peers to our “backyard” to work together to pave the way for the future of travel and tourism.
