US Travel Highlights Need For Federal Disaster Relief After Hurricanes – Travel And Tour World

US Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman urges Congress to approve federal disaster relief funding to aid communities devastated by hurricanes and other disasters.

Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, has voiced his support for the White House’s recent request to Congress for emergency funding. This funding is intended to aid communities devastated by the destructive forces of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other natural disasters that have wreaked havoc across the nation. Freeman emphasized the urgent need for swift action to help affected regions rebuild and recover.

Freeman also underscored the critical role of tourism in driving economic recovery after disasters. He noted that investing in these communities not only supports rebuilding efforts but also ensures the long-term viability of their tourism industries. By helping these regions bounce back, Congress would be preserving jobs, livelihoods, and local heritage that are essential to the nation’s broader economy.

Furthermore, Freeman called on lawmakers to recognize the broader implications of failing to act. He warned that prolonged delays in providing emergency funding could lead to irreparable damage to the infrastructure and reputation of these destinations. Such consequences would have ripple effects, impacting not just local residents but also the broader travel industry and the millions of visitors who contribute to these economies each year.

In closing, Freeman reiterated the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by disaster-stricken communities. He urged Congress to prioritize the emergency funding request, emphasizing that swift action is essential to ensuring these regions recover and thrive once more. This, he stated, is not only a moral obligation but also a crucial step toward safeguarding the future of the nation’s travel and tourism sector.