A $900 billion Covid-19 relief package agreed by Washington will come as a “huge relief” to the US travel industry.
The coronavirus relief legislation passed by Congress contains numerous provisions championed by the struggling travel and tourism industry to help bring back economic activity and jobs.
The aid, confirmed after months of debate by the US Congress, includes direct payments for many Americans and support for businesses and unemployment schemes.
The stimulus includes one-off payments of $600 to most people and a $300 a week rise in unemployment payments.
Businesses will receive more than $300 billion in support.
US Travel Association president and chief executive Roger Dow said: “Seeing this bill make it across the finish line is a huge relief after months of struggle.
“This legislation is a lifeline for businesses and workers who have been hanging on by a thread.
“More than four million travel jobs have been lost this year, and this package includes long-needed provisions to help employers keep their lights on – a second draw on PPP (Paycheck Protection Programme) funds for the hardest-hit businesses, eligibility for non-profit destination marketing organisations, assistance to airports and concessionaires as well as airlines, and enhancements to the employee retention tax credit, among many others.
“Hopefully now that this challenging legislative step has been overcome, we can head into the next Congress with momentum for further substantive measures to rejuvenate businesses and jobs.”