A coalition of 150 travel-related organizations are pleading with nervous travelers to make “fact-based” decisions and listen to health experts before canceling their vacation plans this year.
“Health and government officials have continually assured the public that healthy Americans can ’confidently travel in this country,” the coalition of travel trade group and destination promotion organizations said in a statement. “While it is 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.”
Travel and tourism groups are bracing for a massive hit from the coronavirus epidemic, as major events are canceled, public transportation pared back and global travel contracts.
The statement said that despite “worrisome” headlines, the individual risk of contracting the coronavirus in the U.S. remains low. For the overwhelming majority, health experts say it is safe to “live, work, play and travel” domestically, as long as people continue to take necessary hygiene precautions, the statement added.
“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 advisers and tour operators to the service and front-line employees who make up the backbone of the travel industry and the American economy,” the statement said.
The statement concluded by ensuring consumers that the travel agency will remain “vigilant” on the issue of the coronavirus, carefully monitoring reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Among those signing the statement were Destination DC, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association, the Maryland Hotel Lodging Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Travel Association.
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