WASHINGTON, D.C.
The U.S. Travel Association has applauded the Senate for passing a supplemental spending bill of more than $60 billion for relief from Hurricane Sandy and urged the House to quickly pass the legislation.
"Sandy's path was particularly destructive to states and local communities where travel is a key driver of the economy," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "The Hurricane Sandy spending supplement passed by the Senate provides much-needed emergency relief for states and local governments, as well as businesses and families affected by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. We urge the House to pass the bill immediately."
A 2010 study conducted by Oxford Economics found that natural disasters can cause enduring economic hardships on travel and tourism. An analysis of previous hurricanes found that impacted regions experience below normal traveler levels for an average of 10 to 27 months, which leads to sustained job and revenue loss for the travel businesses.
"Previous disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill have taught us an important lesson: One of the fastest roads to recovery is to restore travel and send a clear message that an impacted region is open for business. That is why this bill is so important," said Dow.
Of specific interest to the travel industry, the bill provides funding for:
• FEMA's disaster response and recovery needs;
• Community Disaster Loans for local government operating expenses;
• The National Park Service to repair the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island;
• The Smithsonian Institution to repair the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Zoo; and
• The rebuilding of damaged travel infrastructure, including airport facilities, highways, bridges, public transit systems and Amtrak.
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.9 trillion in economic output and supports 14.4 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.
Visit www.ustravel.org.
