The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) is extending gratitude to lawmakers supporting the organization’s call for congressional leaders in providing relief for destination marketing organizations (DMOs) impacted by COVID-19.
More than 80 House members have signed a letter in support of the USTA’s stance. Many DMOs were unintentionally left ineligible for coronavirus relief funding under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) because of their non-profit or quasi-governmental status.
“The travel economy has been devastated by the coronavirus, with more than one-third of the job losses occurring in the travel and hospitality sector,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow said. “But travel simply will not be adequately prepared to help lead the recovery without the work of destination marketers, which are critical engines of economic development in their states, cities, and regions.”
Dow thanked the lawmakers who signed the letter, praising their leadership in addressing the issue.
“The actions we take now will have a significant impact on the speed and sustainability of our economic recovery,” per the letter signed by House members, in part. “Much of the strength in the domestic travel and tourism sector can be attributed to statewide and regional DMOs. These organizations create and manage initiatives that fuel the economic support to drive tourism and visitor spending across the U.S.”