First, thank you to the members who have reached out to express their concern over the current events impacting student travel and how SYTA is working to advocate on behalf of its members. We understand that you would like to receive more information regarding these issues.
SYTA partners with allied travel organizations to actively monitor policies and legislation that impact travel and tourism, as well as advocate on behalf of the travel industry with experienced government relations staff. These include:
- U.S. Travel Association (USTA)
- United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)
- American Bus Association (ABA)
- National Tour Association (NTA)
- Ontario Motor Coach Association(OMCA)
SYTA is also a founding member of the Beyond Borders Travel Coalition (BBTC), a group that is committed to safeguarding and promoting cross-border travel and trade. The coalition is also actively working with the National Park Service.
SYTA is also part of a coalition of student and youth organizations addressing issues impacting education.
This year, SYTA staff participated in three Capitol Hill Days, advocacy events where different organizations visit members of Congress and their staff to advocate on issues impacting travel and tourism. Thankfully, congressional staff have been receptive to the impact of current issues on students.
Recently, our focus has been on the ongoing federal government shutdown, which started on October 1st and has now reached over 33 days. This shutdown has had significant implications for the travel and tourism industry, including delayed airport operations due to air traffic controller shortages and the partial closure of national parks.
With Thanksgiving—the busiest travel period of the year—fast approaching, it’s critical that Congress acts immediately to pass a clean continuing resolution and reopen the government. We have been actively writing to elected leaders to end the shutdown.
Our partnership with USTOA, NTA and Elevate Government Affairs allows us to stay at the forefront of these developments, coordinating with policymakers in Congress and the Administration. We remain committed to continuing these efforts, as well as bringing you the latest developments.