Articles tagged “u.s. travel association”

U.S. destinations want more first-time tourists, but they don't want to waste their time and money on those that have no hope of getting a visa in a reasonable amount of time.

If Congress doesn't allocate money to the assistant secretary for travel and tourism office, it's in effect rendering the position useless to the industry.

Today's U.S. policy is a de facto boycott on travelers from countries such as India and Mexico. Senseless. Plus: Hilton's CEO Chris Nassetta is lobbying to get funding for a new assistant secretary position for tourism and wants to reform U.S. air travel.

Having an advocate at the top level of government is a big win for the U.S. travel industry, as is the more metrics-based approach this new assistant secretary at the Commerce Department will take to help increase visitation and streamline visa issues, amongst others.

While the U.S. Travel Association didn't exactly stay in house for its critical hire, the organization believes Geoff Freeman's extensive travel experience — and knowledge of D.C. industry lobbying — will be crucial in helping boost the U.S. tourism industry at a pivotal time.

The funding is a nod to the importance of international visitation for America’s tourism economy and the need to rebuild consumer confidence in America as a tourism destination. The timing is on point, ahead of a hoped-for global travel summer rebound.

This is good news for America's travel businesses that their largest industry body will lead on sustainability and push for the right policies to be in place to green the future of U.S. travel.

All eyes will be on U.S. Travel's next leader to fill Roger Dow's big shoes and implement these lofty goals.

Seventeen years is a long time to sit atop any organization. Roger Dow's retirement coincides with a larger reset for travel emerging from the pandemic. Who leads the USTA next will say a lot about a commitment to break from the past and redefine tourism for a new era.

Lawmakers and travel leaders are urging the broader travel industry to make their voices heard: this U.S.-Canada land border closure must end now. The consequences have been dire for tourism, particularly in Canada where there's been zero recovery since last year's shutdown.