A major travel-industry entity has honored Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, for her work in support their industry in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that interrupted travel plans for millions of people, including many planning to visit Alaska.
The American Society of Travel Advisors presented Murkowski with its 2021 Global Travel Advocate Award for her efforts to keep travel agencies and businesses open through a number of provisions in multiple COVID-19 relief packages.
On May 24, President Joe Biden signed into law the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, led by Murkowski and the rest of the Alaska congressional delegation, to create opportunity for the state’s struggling tourism industry.
Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA, said Murkowski’s work on behalf of the industry has been “a ray of light for our members during the most challenging time of their professional lives. From supporting inclusion of travel agencies in the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to superhuman efforts to salvage a portion of the 2021 Alaska cruise season to advocating for tax incentives to speed the return of business and leisure travel, her work has helped travel agencies in the state and beyond survive this crisis.”
