What Would a U.S. Travel Sector Bailout Look Like?

With the U.S. travel industry in full collapse, industry groups flocked to Capitol Hill this week with the hopes of spurring the government to provide assistance and help restore consumer confidence in travel. A coalition of more than 150 travel groups released a statement on Tuesday encouraging travelers to look at information from public health officials instead of giving into the fear surrounding the coronavirus. The subtext is that the news is causing people to avoid travel by reporting what is going on as the coronavirus spreads around the U.S. “Health and government officials have continually assured the public that healthy Americans can ‘confidently travel in this country,’" reads the statement. "While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it’s equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions. Though the headlines may be worrisome, experts continue to say the overall coronavirus risk in the U.S. remains low. At-risk groups are older individuals and those with underlying health conditions, who should take extra precautions." >> Keep up with the latest on the impact of coronavirus to the travel industry on our Coronavirus and Travel liveblog.</strong According to Tori Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy at the US Travel Association, "there's absolutely a recognition amidst both the Administration and Congress that the impact on the travel economy is significant and like never before there is a full understanding of how important our industry is to keeping things moving." Beyond saying Tuesday that he would be helping the cruise and airline industries, President Trump offered few details on what that aid would look li