A forceful call has been made for substantial disaster relief in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- The US Travel Association is urging Congress to pass a disaster supplemental appropriations bill by Thanksgiving.
- Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused an estimated $100 billion in damage, impacting travel, tax revenues, and employment.
- The travel industry in affected states, supporting over two million jobs, faces significant economic challenges.
- Immediate legislative action is deemed crucial to support recovery and avert further economic harm.
In a recent plea, the US Travel Association has reached out to Congressional leaders, requesting immediate disaster relief for regions devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With substantial economic impacts anticipated, the association’s president, Geoff Freeman, emphasized the urgency of passing an appropriations bill to mitigate the extensive damage caused by these natural disasters.
The devastating hurricanes have left a trail of destruction, with the total damage estimated at over $100 billion. These events have significant repercussions on travel and tourism, leading to reduced visitor spending, declining hotel bookings, and decreased tax revenues. Additionally, the employment sector is under strain, particularly in states heavily reliant on tourism.
In his communication, Freeman highlighted the dependence of many states on the travel industry, which employs more than two million people. The industry contributes $282 billion in travel spending and generates over $20 billion in state and local tax receipts. The letter detailed the potential economic downturn, citing the Mountain region of North Carolina as a notable example, where 47,000 travel workers could face a loss of $2.1 billion in visitor spending this fall.
Freeman urged Congress to act swiftly, advocating for the passage of a disaster relief bill before Thanksgiving. He stressed that such a move is necessary to aid in the recovery of affected communities and prevent further economic damage. The appeal underscores the immediate need for legislative support to restore stability and support the millions dependent on the travel industry.
Swift action is needed from Congress to stabilise the travel industry and support hurricane-affected communities.
