ASTA Urges Veto of Maryland Bill Placing New Mandates on Travel Advisors
ASTA Advocates for Travel Advisors as Maryland Legislation Looms
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is lobbying Maryland's governor to veto a bill they believe unfairly burdens travel advisors without achieving consumer protection goals.
The Breaking Point
In response to the tragic death of a Maryland couple on a pilgrimage organized by an unlicensed operator, the Maryland legislature passed House Bill 994, igniting controversy among travel advisors.
Beneath the Surface
ASTA contends that the bill, requiring travel agency registration and hefty insurance, fails to effectively target deceitful tour operators, instead imposing new burdens on legitimate small businesses.
The Ripple Effect
Zane Kerby, ASTA's CEO, urges a veto, highlighting the potential negative impact on more than 5,000 Maryland-based travel advisors. He calls for cooperative development of educational standards that protect consumers without stifling honest businesses.
"Maryland should not respond to a tragic situation by creating a new system that penalizes honest travel advisors and delivers no real benefit to consumers."
Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO
