USTA launched a national campaign in US in February outlining key policy proposals to ensure the US remains the world’s travel leader
With the United States set to host a series of global sports events, the country needs to take urgent measures to make travel to the US easier and better experience for foreign travellers.
This call was made by Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, US Travel Association (USTA), the largest travel trade organisation in the country, while testifying before the US Congress. In his testimony, Freeman the Congress to back travel industry as a path to economic recovery and -growth.
Geoff Freeman
In a press statement, USTA says that in the testimony before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, Freeman call on Congress to prioritise travel and take urgent action to modernise airport screening, visa processing and air traffic control technology, saying that urgent action was needed to upgrade the American travel system ahead of hosting major global events, as competing countries like China and Saudi Arabia make massive investments in travel.
“Travel is an economic powerhouse in the US, driving nearly USD 2.9 trillion in economic activity each year, but we now face growing challenges that threaten both the future of the industry and America’s competitive edge. The reality is bold leadership is required now to prioritise travel. Our travel systems are under pressure, and without immediate action, we risk falling behind,” Freeman said in his testimony.
In a press statement, USTA says that it had launched a national campaign in US in February outlining key policy proposals the administration and Congress must take to ensure the US remains the world’s travel leader. The proposed solutions focus on transforming the entire travel experience, from pre-travel planning to arrival, to ensure a seamless and secure process for all travellers.
“Modernisation is essential to ensure we remain competitive and responsive to the evolving needs of global travellers. At a time when every economic opportunity matters, we must work together to strengthen our travel infrastructure and keep pace with the rest of the world. This is a moment for thoughtful, forward-looking action. The status quo is not an option,” Freeman said.
He added that the travel industry supports more than 15 million jobs across the country, representing more than 10 pc of the US workforce, and that these jobs span a diverse range of sectors, from aviation to hospitality to destination services.
Freeman told members of the committee that beyond the numbers, travel drives critical tax revenue at the federal, state and local levels and strengthens America’s standing in the world by fostering international diplomacy and business.
“In 2024, international visitors injected USD 181 billion into our economy. Beyond its economic contributions, the travel industry helps strengthen America’s standing globally, attracts talent and investment, and encourages cultural exchange. The US is a world leader in travel, but we now face growing challenges that threaten both the future of the industry and America’s competitive edge,’’ Freeman said and listed some steps that the lawmakers in the country could take to help promote tourism.
The American travel system is under pressure and the reality is that bold leadership is required now to prioritise travel. “Our travel systems are under pressure, and without immediate action, we risk falling behind. Last year, TSA broke records screening more than three million passengers not once, but twice. By next year, TSA will hit that number 50 times annually, equivalent to 50 Thanksgiving days in a single year. By 2028, we are looking at 100 days per year with three million screenings. These numbers reflect the exponential growth in demand for air travel, as more people travel domestically and internationally. However, our travel infrastructure is not equipped to handle these increasing numbers,’’ he added.
He said that long wait times at TSA checkpoints, customs, and visa processing hurt both the travel experience and the economy. He also pointed out at the outdated technology as much of US Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure still uses antiquated systems that need modernising. Airport security and customs technology also need significant investment to streamline passenger flow and maintain high security standards.
Freeman said that countries like China, India and Saudi Arabia were rapidly advancing their travel infrastructure, putting the US at risk of losing market share. “These nations are making massive investments in their travel sectors, leaving the US vulnerable if we don’t act decisively. Without modernisation, we risk not only missing out on economic opportunities but also failing to meet the growing demands of global travellers. The competition is moving fast, and we must accelerate our own efforts to keep pace,’’ he said.
Freeman reminded the US Congress that the next decade presents an extraordinary opportunity for the US to further solidify its leadership in global travel.
“Major events over the next four years such as the 2025 Club World Cup, Ryder Cup, the 2026 World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and 2028 Olympics are expected to contribute nearly USD 100 billion in economic activity and bring an estimated 40 million international travellers. However, with this tremendous opportunity comes a set of challenges. The surge in travel will place immense pressure on our infrastructure, and we must ensure we are ready to handle the increased demand. This means addressing key issues in safety, security, and efficient travel facilitation. If we fail to modernise and adapt, we risk not fully capturing the economic benefits and the potential for growth these events will bring, while giving our competitors the chance to question our leadership on the global stage,’’ he said.
He also welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to establish a White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will provide senior leadership and coordination across government to ensure the US is fully prepared to accommodate the millions of travelers expected for the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup. By bringing together the necessary resources and expertise, the task force will provide the foundation for a transformative mega decade of events that will benefit not only the travel industry but the nation as a whole.
But he added that the US was the only G20 nation without a dedicated leader or agency overseeing travel policy.
He also picked on the long delays in visa processing that remain a major barrier to attracting international visitors, with some US embassies and consulates seeing more than 400-day wait times for visa applicants to secure an interview. “We recommend reforms to streamline and reduce bureaucratic delays, ensuring that the US remains an attractive destination for global travellers while continuing to strengthen national security,’’ he added.
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