The election of President Donald Trump for a second term heralds inevitable transformations across various sectors in Washington, most notably within travel policy. As the dust settles from the recent elections, the travel industry is abuzz with speculation regarding the direction Washington might take and how it will affect the people within the industry. Amid changing political tides and new leadership emerging on Capitol Hill, organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) maintain a steadfast focus on their primary mission: advocating for travel advisors.
Jessica Klement, the vice president of advocacy for ASTA, underscores a vital point in the context of political winds: “Administrations change, but our priorities do not.” This assertion encapsulates ASTA’s fundamental belief system—focusing on the welfare of travel advisors, regardless of who holds office. While the political landscape may shift, Klement emphasizes the necessity of advocating for the unique needs and challenges faced by those in the travel advisory sector.
With a new administration in place, there may be opportunities to revisit certain policy considerations that were less favorably received under previous leadership. Klement is optimistic that the Trump administration could present a more open platform for addressing issues important to travel advisors. She notes that this presents a timely opportunity to present a compelling business case for policies that may have been overlooked or dismissed previously.
The travel agency community is facing a plethora of challenges which have been exacerbated during the previous administration. One of the most pressing issues under consideration is the Department of Transportation (DOT) rule regarding the “merchant of record.” Traditionally, travel agencies do not serve as the merchant of record for air sales, which means they are often left in a precarious position when it comes to refunding airline passengers in events of cancellations or significant changes. Klement argues that amendments must be made such that advisors are liable for refunds only when they are in direct possession of the funds—an adjustment that ASTA has actively lobbied for.
Additionally, the Department of Labor’s recent overtime regulations present another challenge that ASTA is keen to address. Recently, the salary exemption threshold for guaranteed overtime pay was increased, a fact that could significantly affect many employees across the industry. The progressive rise in the salary threshold could benefit workers but also poses a heavier financial burden on travel agencies. Klement suggests that the re-evaluation of such rules is necessary to find a balance that protects both employees and agency operations.
Beyond these core issues, ASTA is closely monitoring additional developments, including potential travel bans and junk fee legislations. The ever-evolving nature of travel regulations necessitates vigilant advocacy efforts. Klement highlights the organization’s commitment to ensuring that travel agencies are represented in the discussions surrounding these issues, particularly through initiatives like the pursuit of a travel agency seat on the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee.
Moreover, Klement recommends that travel advisors engage proactively with their newly elected representatives. A simple gesture such as sending a congratulatory email can lay the groundwork for establishing a collaborative relationship, fortifying the foundation upon which future advocacy efforts rest.
As the new administration settles into office, the landscape of travel policy is poised for significant changes. While uncertainty looms regarding specific outcomes, the steadfast commitment from organizations like ASTA provides a sense of reassurance for travel advisors. By focusing on advocacy and engaging with policymakers, travel advisors can influence the practical developments that will shape their industry’s future. The journey ahead may be complex, but through strategic advocacy and community support, the travel advisory sector can navigate these changes effectively.