The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) strongly supports efforts to eliminate travel restrictions, as reflected…
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) strongly supports efforts to eliminate travel restrictions, as reflected in Senate Bill 950 introduced by Sens. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.), Larry Craig, (R-Idaho), Mark Dayton, (D-Minn.) and Tim Johnson, (D-S.D.). The Bill, The Freedom To Travel To Cuba Act, would bar implementation of economic restrictions that effectively preclude travel to Cuba for most Americans.
ASTA President and CEO Richard M. Copland, CTC, issued the following statement: Travel has been called `the perfect freedom.` ASTA has long expressed its belief that citizens of the world should be allowed to travel freely as they choose. We believe that freedom of movement should be considered a basic human right. The United States government should not curtail the freedom of its citizens by implementing a travel embargo to further its foreign policy goals, nor should any other government. We support the strong leadership of those Senators who have stepped forward to support the freedom of travel.
Travel is a catalyst of peace and understanding. Those who travel learn about other people, other cultures and other ways of life. They simultaneously educate, spreading universal values. Unfettered travel should be protected not only as a basic right, but as a tool for spreading democracy and justice.
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents and its affiliated organizations is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of members worldwide through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the traveling public. The Society is the world`s largest and most influential travel trade association with more than 20,000 members in 140 countries.
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