The U.s. travel industry is beginning to feel the adverse effects of across-the-board sequestration cuts that took effect on March 1.
According to Lisa Simon, president of NTA, the organization is closely following cuts in five areas that directly impact tourism: FAA air traffic controllers, Transportation Security Administration personnel, Customs and Border Protection officers, consulate offices overseas and federal parks and public lands. Simon added that the cuts come at an especially inopportune time, as a recent NTA members survey indicated a rebound in 2012 business and projections for an even greater increase in 2013.
“NTA will keep a close eye on how these issues impact the travel economy and our members’ livelihoods, and we will work with other travel organizations to inform Congress and the Obama administration about the significant, adverse effects of sequestration,” said Simon. “The travel sector must increase its efforts to help public policy makers understand the threat of reduced funding.” www.ntaonline.com
