AHLA statement on COVID-19 travel testing requirements

American Hotel & Lodging Association President AND CEO Chip Rogers released the following statement Friday, after the Biden administration announced it was lifting its requirement for travelers to test negative for COVID-19 before entering the U.S., beginning at midnight Sunday, June 12.

“Today’s announcement is a significant win for hotels and the broader travel industry. AHLA consistently called on the administration and Congress to lift this testing requirement, which was out of date and had a chilling effect on inbound international travel to the U.S. Lifting the requirement will make travel easier, facilitating more international visitors and helping hotels continue on the road to recovery, especially as we approach peak travel season this summer.

“Thank you to the Biden administration for lifting the requirement, and to Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and Rick Scott (R-Florida) for their leadership in pushing for this critical change.”

AHLA is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.