Home » United States » USTOA Delegation Visits Congress to Speak Value of Travel & Tourism
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
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The United States Travel Agents Association (USTOA) hosted a delegation of full member travel agents and associate members to advocate on key tourism industry issues in Washington, DC, June 11-12, 2024. More than 40 participants from across the country met with federal officials, including members of the Congressional delegation, members of Congress, and industry representatives, to discuss sustainability, passport and visa application processing delays, promoting U.S. tourism, Real ID, and more.
The meeting began with an update from Department of Homeland Security TSA Program Analyst Mark Lello, followed by an appearance by Alex Lasry, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism, who highlighted the critical economic role of inbound tourism and the importance of the Biden Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Strategy as the United States prepares to host major international sporting events in the coming years.
Andrew Newhart, vice president of government relations for US Travel, spoke about the impact of visa wait times on inbound tourism and sustainability advocacy. Other speakers included an attorney for the US Department of Transportation, Jessica Clement, vice president of advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors, and Lena McDowall, deputy director of management and operations for the National Park Service. Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA 10th District) closed out the morning session.
In the afternoon, USTOA members traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with key lawmakers and discuss key issues including sustainability, promoting U.S. tourism, delays in passport application processing, visa processing delays and the Visa Waiver Program, funding for National Parks, travel infrastructure, aviation consumer protections, and Real ID.
“USTOA’s 12th Congressional Conference was a very productive meeting that highlighted the value of the travel and tourism industry. Advocacy is a key pillar of USTOA and is essential to leading the country towards a sustainable and responsible travel and tourism future,” said USTOA Chairman Dale.
Dale also expressed his gratitude to the USTOA Congressional Caucus sponsors, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority, which hosted a dinner at the Sri Lankan Embassy on June 11; the Museum of the Bible, which sponsored the conference venue; Crum & Foster, which hosted the morning session on June 12; and CCRA Travel Commerce Network, which provided the name badges.
Tags: Capitol Hill, passport processing delays, Real ID, sustainable tourism, tourism advocacy, travel and tourism industry, travel infrastructure, travel news, US Travel, USTOA, visa application delays
