Murkowski Honored for Efforts to Support Tourism Industry
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) presented U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) with the 2021 Global Travel Advocate Award for her efforts to support the travel and tourism industry—critical to Alaska’s economy—as well as her efforts to keep travel agencies and businesses open through a number of provisions in multiple COVID-19 relief packages. On May 24, 2021, the President signed into law the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, led by Senator Murkowski and the rest of the Alaska Congressional Delegation, to create opportunities for Alaska’s struggling tourism industry.
“Senator Murkowski’s efforts in support of the travel agency sector and the travel industry as a whole since COVID-19 hit have been a ray of light for our members during the most challenging time of their professional lives. From supporting inclusion of travel agencies in the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to superhuman efforts to salvage a portion of the 2021 Alaska cruise season to advocating for tax incentives to speed the return of business and leisure travel, her work has helped travel agencies in Alaska and beyond survive this crisis. On behalf of the 375 Alaskans who work at travel agencies in the state and travel advisors everywhere, we are honored to present Senator Murkowski the 2021 ASTA Global Travel Advocate award,” said Zane Kerby, President & CEO, American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).
“Alaska’s economy is a three legged stool, with one of those being our tourism industry. So to say that travel and tourism is important to Alaska’s economy is an understatement. During the coronavirus pandemic, travel and tourism came to a big halt across much of the U.S., but for a state where so many of our communities rely on tourism for their economies, Alaska was among the states most severely impacted,” said Senator Murkowski. “From the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act to the COVID relief packages, I’ve prioritized efforts to help bring tourism back and keep Alaskans afloat through the hardships created by the pandemic. I appreciate this recognition and I am thankful for all the Alaskans who have worked with me in these endeavors.”
