Ethics Rules Alter Travel

Jul 16

Ashley ChalmersNews economy, hotels, Keep America Meeting, meeting industry No Comments

USA Today posted an interesting article about the ethics of Congressional travel.

Here’s the linK:

Ethics rules alter travel by Congress – USATODAY.com.

The amount of travel over the past few years for lawmakers has dropped significantly, according to the article. From the ethical standpoint, I do not want lawmakers traveling on the dime of a non-profit in order to sway legislation.

However, I can’t help but think about the matter from the hospitality industry’s standpoint. Any travel cutbacks I read or hear about cause me to cringe…because, as we know and have experienced, businesses have been canceling trips and meetings to avoid seeming lavish and excessive in the eyes of Congress.

My hope is that the travel industry, which has already experienced significant lows this year, will not be bundled with Congress’ unethical behavior.

Let the industry have a fair chance for the good to be seen – awareness is the best way. Let’s help spread the word of campaigns like Keep America Meeting to help generate positive press about the travel industry.

What are your thoughts? Does it bother you to see travel associated with negativity? What are some other ways to spread the importance of the industry?