U.S. Travel Statement on the Cancellation of ITB Berlin
February 28, 2020
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow
“The guiding principle of the American travel community on coronavirus is to seek and follow the most current guidance from public health authorities. The government of Germany deemed the cancellation of ITB the appropriate call to make based on the available information. While we are disappointed, we share the deep concern about coronavirus and accede to the expertise that contributed to the decision.
“We remain in frequent contact with relevant U.S. officials regarding measures to ensure the continued safety and security of citizens of American citizens and visitors. The challenge in moments of public health concern is to react appropriately while avoiding overreaction, and thus far there is ample evidence that U.S. authorities have a keen eye on striking the correct balance.”
Addition from WOT: We are aware of other travel conventions and industry shows, such as Active America China and GoWest, that have been postponed in order to ensure the health and security of their attendees. The decisions were made in part due to government travel restrictions in a number of the countries participants would have been traveling from, and not taken lightly. We will continue to update you on the status of our industry shows or sales mission that may be affected.
