ASTA challenges proposed Virginia state tax on travel bookings
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is pushing back against a travel agency sales tax being proposed in Virginia.
ASTA is calling on lawmakers to vote it down.
It would require travel advisors to add a payable sales tax for their services
Two VA state house bills would extend the scope of sales tax to more sectors which include travel agencies.
“About 95% of travel agencies are small businesses. These proposals would penalize Virginia-based advisors while making it easier for consumers to seek services from advisors in other states,” said ASTA CEO Zane Kerby.
He called it ‘unnecessary and misguided.’
ASTA has written to all VA lawmakers urging them to vote no.
ASTA says about 5,800 travel advisors are based in Virginia and together generate about $2.2 billion in travel sales as of 2024.
This week the bill was placed on the legislative docket for 2027 but ASTA vowed to continue fighting it.
The association was successful in stopping similar bills in Nebraska and Louisiana.
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