Pressure mounts to include DMOs in PPP stimulus package
A bipartisan group comprising dozens of lawmakers are calling on Congress to help destination marketing organizations stay afloat during the coronavirus crisis.
DMOs have slipped through the cracks almost unnoticed due to not being eligible under the Paycheck Protection Program.
They did not qualify for aid due to either their non-profit status or as they are part or fully funded by local governments.
The US Travel Association has been raising the issue with Congress and says the work of DMOs is more important than ever to kick start the visitor economy and bring back lucrative meeting and convention business once the recovery begins.
More than 80 U.S. House members signed a letter supporting emergency funds for DMOs.
"The actions we take now will have a significant impact on the speed and sustainability of our economic recovery. Much of the strength in the domestic travel and tourism sector can be attributed to state-wide and regional DMOs," the letter said.
"These organizations create and manage initiatives that fuel the economic support to drive tourism."
It says destination marketing can be a lifeline for smaller regional cities and regions.
"While DMOs have been successful in bringing tourists to gateway cities like Los Angeles and New York, they also drive tourists to visit smaller or mid-size markets, generating billions of dollars in economic activity."
"However, the severity of the coronavirus’ economic disruption to domestic travel has threatened the financial viability of many DMOs."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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