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Virginia proposes tax on travel advisors


Virginia Democrats have introduced two House bills that would tax several services, including travel and event planning, but the Houses Finance Committee has tabled consideration of the measures until 2027.

Virginia proposes tax on travel advisorsASTA is strongly opposed to the bills, HB 900 and HB 978. ASTA CEO Zane Kerby said he sent the committee a letter explaining the trade groups opposition.
Kerby argued that consumers would seek travel advisors in states where they dont have to pay additional taxes.
"Plainly, any additional tax would put travel agencies in Virginia at a competitive disadvantage with advisors in other nearby states," Kerby said. "Ultimately, this would have a negative effect on their business and their financial bottom line."
"Plainly, any additional tax would put travel agencies in Virginia at a competitive disadvantage with advisors in other nearby states," Kerby said. "Ultimately, this would have a negative effect on their business and their financial bottom line." A tax on advisors would also negatively affect the states economy, he added. Virginia is home to nearly 5,800 travel advisors, according to ASTA, who generated around $2.2 billion in sales in 2024.