WASHINGTON - 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 are 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

Maura Morton
+1 202 289 3186
AH&LA