Travel Leaders Echo Experts: Make Fact-Based Decisions About Traveling

U.S. Officials: "It Is Safe for Healthy Americans to Travel"

WASHINGTON (March 10, 2020)—A coalition of 150 travel-related organizations issued the following statement on the latest developments around coronavirus (signatories below):

"For the travel and hospitality industry, the safety of the traveling public, our guests and our employees is of the utmost importance. We are in daily contact with public health authorities and are acting on the most up-to-date information on the evolving coronavirus situation.

"Health and government officials have continually assured the public that healthy Americans can 'confidently travel in this country.' While it's critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it's equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions.

"Though the headlines may be worrisome, experts continue to say the overall coronavirus risk in the U.S. remains low. At-risk groups are older individuals and those with underlying health conditions, who should take extra precautions.

"The latest expert guidance indicates that for the overwhelming majority, it's OK to live, work, play and travel in the U.S. By seeking and heeding the latest expert guidance—which includes vigorous use of good health practices, similar to the preventive steps recommended for the seasonal flu—America's communities will stay strong and continue to thrive. The decision to cancel travel and events has a trickle-down effect that threatens to harm the U.S. economy, from locally owned hotels, restaurants, travel advisors and tour operators to the service and frontline employees who make up the backbone of the travel industry and the American economy.

"We are mindful of a guiding principle that long predates this current public health situation: without the safety and security of travelers, there can be no travel. The travel industry will maintain lines of contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services and will remain vigilant for any changes. Collectively, we are taking enhanced steps to ensure both the safety of travelers, guests and our own employees."

Signatories:

Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)
ADARA
Airlines For America
Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA)
American Association of Airport Executives
American Bus Association
American Car Rental Association
American Gaming Association
American Hotel & Lodging Association
American Resort Development Association
American Society of Association Executives
American Society of Travel Advisors
Anaheim/Orange County Lodging Association
Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association
Arizona Office of Tourism
Arkansas Hospitality Association
Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Arrivalist
Associated Luxury Hotels International
Association Forum
Bloomington MN Convention & Visitors Bureau
Branson Chamber & Convention & Visitors Bureau
California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns
California Attractions and Parks Association
California Hotel & Lodging Association
Choose Chicago
Cincinnati Hotel Association
CityPASS
Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association
Colorado Tourism Office
ConferenceDirect
Connecticut Lodging Association
Cruise Lines International Association
CRVA/Visit Charlotte
Destination DC
Destination Niagara USA
Destinations International
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau
Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association
Discover Puerto Rico
Entrada
Events Industry Council
Experience Grand Rapids
Experience Kissimmee
Experience Scottsdale
Explore Charleston
Explore Fairbanks
Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association
Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
HelmsBriscoe
Hospitality Maine
Hospitality Minnesota
Hospitality Santa Barbara
Hostelling International USA
Hotel Association of Los Angeles
Hotel Association of New York City
Hotel Association of Washington DC
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)
International Association of Conference Centres (IACC)
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association
Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association
International Franchise Association
International Inbound Travel Association
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Leisure Pass Group
Long Beach Hospitality Alliance
Longwoods International
Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board
Louisiana Hotel & Lodging Association
Maritz Global Events
Maryland Hotel Lodging Association
Meeting Professionals International
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Miles Partnership
Montana Lodging & Hospitality Association
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
National Air Carrier Association
National Restaurant Association
National Tour Association
Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association
New Jersey Hotel & Lodging Association
New Orleans & Company
New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association
New York State Tourism Industry Association
North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
Northstar Travel Group
NYC & Company
Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association
OHLA - Greater Akron Lodging Council
OHLA - Greater Cincinnati Lodging Council
OHLA - Greater Cleveland Lodging Council
OHLA - Greater Columbus Lodging Council
OHLA - Northwest Ohio Lodging Council
OHLA - Greater Dayton Lodging Council
Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association
Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Pittsburgh International Airport
PRA
Reno Tahoe
Resonance Consultancy
San Diego County Lodging Association
San Diego Tourism Authority
San Francisco Hotel Council
San Francisco Travel
Simpleview
Society of Government Meeting Professionals
Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO)
South Carolina Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association
South Dakota Department of Tourism
Southeast Tourism Society
St. Louis Area Hotel Association
Student & Youth Travel Association
Tampa International Airport
Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association
The Broadway League
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Shubert Organization
The Travel Technology Association
Travel Nevada
Travel Oregon
Travel Portland
Travel South USA
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Travel Association
United States Tour Operators Association
Utah Office of Tourism
Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association
Visit Austin
Visit Baltimore
Visit Buffalo Niagara
VISIT DENVER
Visit Fort Worth
Visit Franklin
Visit Lake Charles
Visit Napa Valley
Visit North Carolina
Visit Philadelphia
Visit Seattle
Visit Tampa Bay
Visit Wichita
VisitDallas
West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association
Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association
Wyoming Lodging & Restaurant Association