U.S. Travel Applauds Phased Reopening of National Parks

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement:

“The phased reopening of national parks is a welcome sign that the country is taking further steps toward a reopening strategy that focuses on caution and safety, but begins to unshackle the devastated U.S. travel economy.

“Polling data shows that six in 10 Americans are eager to travel again, but that right now they feel most comfortable recreating outdoors and doing their destination travel by car. National parks are ideal for both. The 419 geographically diverse national parks are readily accessible to virtually the entire U.S. population, and less than a third of them charge entrance fees.

“The U.S. travel community is encouraged that as travelers and travel-related businesses embrace proper COVID-19-related health and safety guidance, the ability of Americans to move around and engage in leisure activity need not remain at a complete standstill. It would be fitting if this holiday weekend marked a progress point in the gradual return to a normal way of life in this country, and we thank the administration and the National Park Service for their carefully considered approach to reopening.”