U.S. Travel Association

??? Sick of long lines at the airport? Us too. Former NSA General Counsel and DHS Assistant Secretary Stewart Baker explains how #biometrics — like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning — could transform travel by making identity verification faster, safer and more efficient. We need action to make this vision a reality. See the plan to make American travel the best in the world: showcaseamericantravel.org. #ModernizeAmericanTravel

??? We're one step closer to seizing the potential of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Our efforts are pushing the administration to ensure the U.S. is ready to welcome millions of visitors. ? With just 15 months to go, the newly announced White House task force is a crucial step; success depends on coordination across key departments — Transportation, State, Homeland Security and Commerce. ? “The question is, do we welcome 1 million international travelers to enjoy the World Cup, or do we welcome 8 million?” — Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel CEO, via SportsTravel Magazine. ? We’re ready to partner with the administration to make this a transformative success and showcase America as the #1 travel destination.

Travel leaders: When we show up together, our message is stronger.? Join hundreds of your peers as we head to Washington, D.C. for U.S. Travel’s Destination Capitol Hill, April 1-2. This is a must-attend event to engage directly with policymakers and champion the issues that matter most to your destination or organization. Don’t miss out — register for #DCH25: bit.ly/DCH-2025?

Exciting news! This week, we welcomed Isabel Shocket to U.S. Travel Association as Vice President of Member Growth. Isabel brings more than a decade of proven leadership in membership strategy, with experience at the National Automatic Merchandising Association and the National Association of Home Builders. In this new role, Isabel will spearhead efforts to grow our membership network through innovative recruitment strategies, high-impact growth campaigns and initiatives designed to enhance member value. We’re thrilled to have her expertise and vision on board as we continue to strengthen and expand U.S. Travel’s membership.

#BREAKING: U.S. Travel Association applauds President Trump for establishing a White House task force for the FIFA World Cup 26 — a major victory for travel and a key recommendation we championed in the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel’s report.? ? “This was a top priority for U.S. Travel,” said U.S. Travel CEO Geoff Freeman. “The creation of this task force will ensure the U.S. is fully prepared to host the world’s largest sporting event. We are grateful for the administration’s leadership in bringing together the necessary resources to support the massive influx of travelers, and we are confident this will lay the foundation for a truly transformative mega-decade of events." ? The details via CNN: https://lnkd.in/eaujmEKa

Biometrics = faster, more secure borders. Jody Hardin, Executive Director of Innovation and Strategy at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, highlights cutting-edge biometric technology used at airport customs that keeps America safe and global travel moving. Explore U.S. Travel’s policy recommendations to create the most advanced customs and border process since Global Entry. https://lnkd.in/ecJYA-bB #ModernizeAmericanTravel

The world is coming — but the U.S. travel system isn’t ready. In CNN, U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman and MGM Resorts International CEO & U.S. Travel National Chair Bill Hornbuckle warn: soaring demand will overwhelm outdated travel infrastructure. ? With the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics and America 250 ahead, the White House must act decisively. “These events are meaningful to the country and ultimately a showcase,” said Hornbuckle. ? A White House spokesman said Trump is committed to ensuring a seamless event: “President Trump is a sports enthusiast and legendary showman. He will work to deliver a spectacular event that showcases American greatness while ensuring smooth logistics for athletes and guests.” ? We have the plan to get there. Learn how we can make American travel the best in the world at ShowcaseAmericanTravel.org

? Only one month to go! From April 1-2, hundreds of travel leaders will converge in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Travel’s Destination Capitol Hill to push for pro-travel policies that will shape our industry’s future. Last year’s event left a lasting impact — fueling critical conversations, building new connections and creating real momentum on the Hill. Will you be part of the action this year? Time is running out — register for #DCH25 now: https://lnkd.in/evRxrrbg?

Great to be in Kentucky today, joining Louisville Tourism and the Kentucky Travel Industry Association to discuss the monumental opportunity in front of us to grow travel — and what it means for Kentucky. Travel is an essential driver of Kentucky’s economy. Nearly 80 million visitors in 2023 spent $9.7 billion, generating $13.8 billion in total economic impact. As travel to Kentucky continues to grow, delivering a seamless and secure experience will be even more critical to attracting visitors and keeping them coming back — whether for the Bourbon Trail, Churchill Downs or beyond. Thanks to Cleo Battle, Hank Phillips, Mike Mangeot and Jessica Grace for the warm welcome. Looking forward to returning to the Bluegrass State soon.

?? Front and center today in The Wall Street Journal: The Urgent Push to Modernize Travel. ? As President Trump prepares to address the nation tonight, we’re making sure travel isn’t left behind. ? In U.S. Travel's letter to the president, we make it clear: With America 250, the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics ahead, the U.S. must modernize its outdated travel system — before it buckles under surging demand. ? U.S. Travel Association and the Commission on Seamless & Secure Travel are demanding bold action to make travel more efficient, secure and competitive. ? We need leadership now to #ModernizeAmericanTravel. ? ?? View the roadmap for travel’s next era: https://lnkd.in/eKyR35Sh