Travel Industry Talking Points for Hurricane Katrina

Almost 98 percent of the U.S. has been open for travel business since Hurricane Katrina struck including three-fourths of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.  And more travel-related businesses are re-opening every day. From California to Florida, up the east coast to New York, or any area in-between, do not hesitate to travel in the U.S. 

Travelers can visit www.seeamerica.org for travel updates on the affected areas, as well as travel information for all U.S. destinations.  The website will be updated on a regular basis to reflect current travel conditions.

Economic Impact

Total for all three states: $18.3 billion in spending in travel-related businesses; 260,000 jobs (equates to 18% of total employment in all three states or 1 in every 5 jobs affected by Hurricane Katrina); Ongoing losses of $50 million per day.

Louisiana: $13.5 billion in travel spending; 191,000 jobs; Ongoing losses of $37 million per day.

Mississippi:  $2.8 billion in travel spending; 38,000 jobs; Ongoing losses of $7.7 million per day.

Alabama:  $2 billion in travel spending; 30,000 jobs; Ongoing losses of $5.5 million per day.

Source: Travel Industry Association of America

Travel Industry Launches Free Job Bank To Benefit Katrina Victims

• Tourism is the top industry in New Orleans and southern Mississippi and Alabama, employing more than a quarter million people in travel-related businesses.

• The Travel Industry Association of America in partnership with the Travel & Tourism Coalition, the Travel Business Roundtable and USDM.net have launched a job bank website, offering hurricane relief jobs to help displaced workers in our travel industry find new employment as quickly as possible.

• The site is fully functional and operational at www.katrinajobs.org.

• Companies within the travel industry as well as companies in other industries across the country can post jobs online

• Individuals can post resumes and direct them to specific interests and geographic locations.

• We are encouraging any organization interested in providing help in supporting this site to contact the Travel Industry Association at www.katrinajobs.org.

Impact of Gas Prices on Travel

• Travelers who have finalized their plans are unlikely to cancel their trips.

• However, travelers who have not finalized their plans will most likely decide to stay closer to home.  There is the possibility they may postpone travel in the short term, while they wait to see if gas prices stabilize or drop.

• Historically, AAA reports that the price of gas has never stopped people from traveling. TIA research shows that people tend to modify their trips to offset higher travel prices, including gas.  However, concerns about availability have had an effect in the past.

• Production and availability of gas are improving and demand has become more predictable. (AAA)

• For travelers who choose to stay closer-to-home, this is a great time to get out and explore your local community or region – become a tourist in your own backyard.