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ASTA | introduction


ASTA ADVOCACY We’re always working for you


Between 2012 and today, ASTA’s efforts led to legislative and regulatory ‘wins’ that saved the industry an estimated $630 million in new taxes, fees, and other costs. We also experienced unprecedented grassroots engagement that helped elevate our story. Here are some highlights of ASTA’s advocacy work


2021


• Politico campaign: In May 2021, the launch of an ambitious digital campaign in partnership with Politico increased awareness on Capitol Hill about the critical importance of the travel agency industry and the need for additional relief from Congress. The centerpiece of the Politico campaign is the “10 Reasons Why Travel Advisors Are Industry Essential” focus index.


• Florida judge accepts ASTA filing in key CDC cruise lawsuit: On May 18, 2021, the judge overseeing the State of Florida vs. Becerra et al case on CDC cruise restrictions allowed ASTA to file a “friend of the court” brief to support Florida’s argument about economic damages suffered by the industry and communities outside Florida.


20 | ASTA | Worldwide Destination Guide 2022/23


• On May 24, President Biden signed legislation into law, opening a door for resumed cruise ship travel to Alaska. Just one day after 170 ASTA members lobbied for it as part of ASTA Legislative Day 2021, the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (H.R. 1318) unanimously passed the House of Representatives on May 1, 2021. This bill will create a temporary, targeted waiver from the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 by deeming certain roundtrip voyages between Alaska and Washington State as foreign voyages for the purposes of U.S. law.


• SAVE Act (H.R. 2120): Bipartisan Coalition Introduces Bill to Include Travel Agencies in Key Relief Grant Program Save Act: ASTA secured the introduction of the Securing


Access for Venue Equity (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2120), which would make travel agencies and other hard-hit businesses eligible for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program. Under this program, applicants can qualify for grants equal to 45 percent of their 2019 gross revenue, up to $10 million. This support is sorely needed, as the travel agency sector has been catastrophically impacted by COVID and faces a longer recovery window than virtually any other industry.


• Texas legislature adjourns, tax bill targeting advisors dies: Working with Texas ASTA members, killed state legislation (House Bill 2889) to apply the state’s six percent hotel tax to travel agency service fees/markups connected to in-state hotel bookings.


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