Tourexpi
Travel Advisors Send Nebraska Legislators a Strong Message: No New Sales Tax on Services
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) applauds the conclusion of Nebraska’s legislative session with no new sales taxes levied on travel packages, including professional fees charged by travel advisors. This marks another significant win for Nebraska’s travel advisors who expressed deep concerns about the negative effects such a tax could have on their businesses.
Nebraska Senators pursued the removal of the sales tax exemption on certain goods and services that they’ve deemed “non-essential” in the hopes of offsetting a decrease in the state’s property taxes. Travel advisors throughout the state flooded legislators’ offices with calls and emails urging them not to levy a sales tax on the trips and packages they sell to their clients. They warned such a tax would amount to a hefty fee on travelers, and it would drive them to utilize the services of a travel advisor outside the state to avoid the tax.
More specifically, the proposed sales tax of up to 7.5% on travel sold in Nebraska would force consumers to pay an extra $262 to take a hard-earned $3,500 cruise vacation. Consumers wishing to avoid the $262 tax could simply use an advisor outside of Nebraska to book the exact same cruise.
"Travel advisor services are not constrained by geographical boundaries, and they are frequently essential, especially during business travel and unforeseen events,” said Jessica Klement, ASTA Vice President of Advocacy. “Taxing the packages advisors sell and the services they provide would not only amount to an additional fee to their clients, but also would ultimately force their clients to seek services outside of Nebraska. LB169 and legislation like it would have serious financial consequences for both Nebraska travelers and travel advisors. Nebraska legislators narrowly averted driving all travel booking from their state and harming small Nebraska businesses with this unfair and misguided proposal. I applaud the efforts of the travel advisors in Nebraska to successfully fight against this sales tax, protecting both consumers and their small businesses.”
- mobilized a grassroots advocacy effort in Nebraska that amplified the voices of travel advisors across the state. Their collective outreach to state senators was instrumental in securing this favorable outcome. This victory underscores the importance of active engagement in the legislative process, ensuring that the interests of the travel community are represented and protected.
While the legislature has adjourned for this year, it remains possible that legislation to remove the sales tax exemption will appear again. If it does, ASTA will be ready. Until then, Nebraska’s travel advisors can continue to focus on what they do best – helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences with their expertise and personalized service.
Picture Credit: © geralt
The most interesting news
Wego and Turespaña Launch Summer Campaign to Inspire MENA Travelers
Partnership highlights Spain’s culture, cuisine, and coastlines for Middle East audiences
Emirates Launches New Routes to Da Nang and Siem Reap via Bangkok
Emirates has officially launched two new routes to Da Nang, Vietnam and Siem Reap, Cambodia, operating via Bangkok, further strengthening the airline’s strategic footprint in Southeast Asia.
Turkish Firm Karmod Launches Innovative Steel-Structured Aparthotel Project on Corfu
Prefabricated system allows year-round construction without seasonal delays
RIU Launches Carbon Footprint Calculation Service for Events at Riu Plaza España
New AI-powered tool promotes transparency and sustainable event planning
Travel Trends 2025: Affordability Trumps Sustainability in German Market
The German travel sector is entering the summer of 2025 in robust health, with consumer demand for holidays stronger than ever—despite a sluggish global economy marked by trade tensions and stagnation.
Sustainability Update: TUI Launches E-Mobility Drive and Strategic Partnership with smart
TUI Group has unveiled a major update to its sustainability roadmap during an event at TUI Blue Sylt, with a clear focus on sustainable ground mobility.
Delta Air Lines Announces Second Daily Flight from JFK to Tel Aviv for Winter Season
Delta Air Lines has announced the addition of a second daily nonstop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Tel Aviv (TLV), scheduled to operate from November 30, 2025, through January 19, 2026.
Spain’s State Secretariat for Tourism Launches Summer Course on Tourism Transformation Strategy
The State Secretariat for Tourism will host a summer course titled “Governing Tourism: Towards the Spain Tourism 2030 Strategy” from July 2 to 4 in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, as part of the Complutense University of Madrid’s Summer Courses.
India Achieves Record High in International Visitor Spend, Says WTTC
According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), international visitor spending in India surged to an all-time high of ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing the previous 2019 peak by 9%.
Lufthansa Introduces Free Messaging on All Long-Haul Flights
As of today, Lufthansa passengers can enjoy unlimited free messaging on all long-haul flights.
Marella Cruises Launches Second Edition of ‘Make it on Marella’ Trade Incentive
Following a successful debut year, Marella Cruises is bringing back its trade-wide incentive ‘Make it on Marella’ for a second time, giving 25 lucky travel agents the chance to win a spot on board Marella Discovery for a Caribbean sailing in Marc
Destination by Hyatt Debuts in Greece with Opening of Zélia Halkidiki
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the grand opening of Zélia Halkidiki, an adults-only luxury retreat and the first Destination by Hyatt branded property in Greece.
Shaikha Al Nowais Nominated as First Woman Secretary-General of UN
The UN Tourism Executive Council has met again for a milestone session to build on the legacy of the last eight years. Meeting for its 123rd session, the Council assessed progress made around the priorities of innovation, investments and education an
IHG Accelerates Expansion in Vietnam with voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a new milestone in its Vietnam growth strategy with the signing of voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – By IHG, a 250-key seafront property scheduled to open by the end of 2025.
Ryanair Urges EU to Act as Over 34,000 Flights Suffer 5,000 Hours of Delays Due to ATC Failures
Ryanair, Europe’s leading airline, has issued an urgent call to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU governments to immediately address the chronic underperformance of European air traffic control (ATC) services, following mas
TTM+ 2025 Highlights Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Vision
New offerings focus on wellness, culture, and high-value experiences
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs dual-branded property in London’s vibrant Waterloo
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of a dual branded hotel complex in Central London: voco hotel London – Waterloo and Hotel Indigo & Suites London – Waterloo. Signed in partnership wit
Dusit Princess Melaka Celebrates Grand Opening in UNESCO World Heritage City
Dusit International debuts in Malaysia with landmark property ahead of UN Tourism 2025 and Visit Malaysia 2026
Beyond Carnival: 4 Iconic Brazilian Festivals to Discover with Delta and LATAM
Carnival may be Brazil’s most famous celebration, but it’s just the beginning of the country’s year-round festival magic.
TAT and Partners Launch Thailand’s First Grand Aquarium Yoga Experience at Sea Life Bangkok
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with key lifestyle and wellness brands, has unveiled Grand Aquarium Yoga – Thailand’s first-ever underwater yoga experience, set against the stunning backdrop of Sea Life Bangkok Ocean Wor
Seoul Releases Global Tourism Campaign Featuring Star Chef Edward Lee
The Seoul Tourism Organization is set to release a global promotional campaign featuring renowned star Chef and Seoul Honorary Ambassador, Edward Lee.
