With the hospitality industry in dire straits, APS Travel has found alternatives to surviving a decline in tourism.
Long Beach business owner Sharisse Armstrong is president of APS Travel.
For over twenty years, APS Travel has been a luxury company that specializes in domestic and international travel and tourism.
APS Travel’s mission statement is “We don’t believe in saying no, we believe in providing alternatives.”
APS caters to a wide range of clientele including but not limited to corporate executives, entertainers, media groups and jetsetters.
In March, the pandemic caused many countries to instate travel bans. Nine months later, fifty countries are closed, and ninety-two countries are partially open, including the United States.
Travel restrictions have cost the airline, hotel, and rental car industries trillions of dollars.
On November 18, The American Hotel and Lodging Association posted, “71% of hotels won’t survive another six months without further government COVID-19 relief.”
However, Armstrong is more optimistic.
She said, “In the beginning, it was really tough for my company, but now that our country and 91 other countries are partially open, we are back in business, and taking safety precautions put in place by the airlines.”
Many APS Travel clients are back to traveling, and have found alternative ways to be safe while conducting business or leisure.
Armstrong added, “In these times, not everyone can afford or even want to travel, but some still want to get away after being cooped up in their house for nine months. Subsequently, staycations are on the rise. Long Beach has become the new South Beach.”
Michelle Armstrong, Sharisse’s sister, recently celebrated her birthday at the Grand Canyon.
“I hadn’t made any plans because of COVID, but my sister surprised me. She booked a suite at The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel. We took Amtrak first class, it was spaced out of course, and we saw The Grand Canyon. APS Travel booked everything including my surprise birthday dinner. It was absolutely wonderful,” Michelle said.
Since March, APS Travel has remodeled their website to inform clients about travel restrictions.
APS Travel has educated clients on social responsibility and travel advisories: “Due to the outbreak, we are aware of the restrictions and circumstances impacting the travel industry. As we navigate these challenges, we want to ensure that your safety and wellbeing are our top priority. With a commitment to service, we remain ready and available to assist you and address any concerns you may have.”
Sharisse Armstrong said she prays for everyone’s safety in hopes that the hospitality and many other non-essential industries recover quickly.