From The Desk of Roger Dow
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
There is no question that this may be the most challenging year we have ever faced. I think back to how we began 2020, that moment before the global pandemic stopped us all in our tracks, when we were celebrating a decade of unprecedented growth. It feels like a lifetime ago.
The absence of travel has underscored its impact on our country, our economy, our joy and our freedom.
Our losses have been devastating; there is no doubt. We have all had to make sacrifices and difficult choices time and again. We are still facing uncertainty—and we have much more work to do. But, as we have seen over the past several months, the travel community is strong and resilient, and when faced with significant challenges, we work together and accomplish so much:
We spoke with one united voice, secured relief measures throughout the year—starting with the CARES Act in March—and are on firm footing to include additional provisions in another relief package this month.
We developed and adopted industrywide health and safety guidance across the travel ecosystem that aligns with the CDC, as well as reminded everyone to consider the important social responsibility we all have when traveling—such as wearing a mask—through the #TravelConfidently campaign.
We launched the Let’s Go There campaign, encouraging Americans to do what is safe, healthy and productive: make plans for future travel.
We remained connected through educational webinars, as well as shared our experiences and best practices during virtual town halls and several hybrid meetings we safely held throughout the year.
We united our industry sectors like never before—airlines, airports, hotels and lodging, destinations, tour operators, attractions, so many more—all working together to advance our shared objectives.
These are just a few of our collective achievements—alongside many others—that you will find in our year-end video, which also captures our industry’s progress, our continued courage, and our unyielding spirit. Click here to view the video: 2020 - A Year Like Never Before.
Our Changing U.S. Travel Membership
Next year will be an important year for our industry and we are only as strong as our membership. Understanding the implications this year has had on budgets, we will be rolling out new membership benefits, levels and an updated dues structure with more options and flexibility to unlock access to an enhanced suite of exclusive resources and offerings. I invite you to join me on Wednesday, January 13, to learn more about these changes and how your organizations may benefit. You can sign up for this important webinar here.
Throughout 2020, we have proven our incredible resilience, our combined strength and our commitment to staying united. All of us at U.S. Travel are grateful to work with you, to represent you in Washington and are honored to help you connect with one another.
I am proud and humbled to work with each and every one of you as a part of this extraordinary industry that sparks happiness for so many while creating and supporting American jobs and contributing to a strong U.S. economy.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday as we turn the page to a brighter future.
Sincerely,
Roger J. Dow
President and CEO
U.S. Travel Association
https://vimeo.com/466612387
