U.S. Travel Association

Biometric screening technology, crucial for enhancing efficiency and security at airports nationwide, is in jeopardy. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and John Kennedy (R-LA) have proposed a dangerous amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill that would ban automated facial matching technology at airport checkpoints, resulting in longer wait times and compromising security. These misguided efforts to restrict facial recognition technology not only undermine security, and waste travelers' time but also squander millions of taxpayer dollars. Additionally, they disregard the preferences of travelers who, every day, choose to use automated identity verification technology for a safer and faster security experience. The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel recently observed firsthand how innovations such as TSA PreCheck Touchless ID partnerships with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, CAT-2 screening technology and Delta’s curb-to-gate digital identity experience are driving enhanced efficiency and security at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the nation's busiest airport. Biometric technology is the future of air traveler screening. With this amendment, Congress risks infuriating millions of travelers by impeding innovation, slowing travel processes and compromising security.

This week, U.S. Travel convened our corporate CEO Roundtable for a focused dialogue on elevating the industry among lawmakers and defining the priorities and strategies that will drive travel’s growth. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Public Engagement Stephen Benjamin embraced our industry’s powerful contributions and acknowledged challenges that must be addressed. We are eager to work together to lower visa wait times, enhance our aviation system and ensure that our country is prepared to host the world during the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics. Congressional travel champions, Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Dan Sullivan, joined us as well to discuss U.S. Travel’s legislative agenda and opportunities to make tangible progress in the months ahead. TSA Administrator David Pekoske shared insights into the agency’s cutting-edge efforts to modernize the travel experience. Thank you to those who joined us for engaging in these important conversations. Your partnership is appreciated.

Last week, the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel briefed Congress members and staff on enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. travel industry. Commission members highlighted key opportunities for Congress to improve U.S. global competitiveness, particularly in preparation for major events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. These events hold significant economic potential for the United States, underscoring the need to address issues that make it harder for travelers to get here, including excessive waits for a visitor visa, which average 400 days in top source markets. Our appreciation goes out to panelists John Sanders, Patricia Cogswell, Marlon Smith and Kevin Thibault for sharing insights. Thank you to Travel and Tourism Caucus leadership: Representatives Titus and Bilirakis and Senators Klobuchar and Moran for their dedicated efforts to move the travel industry forward.

Today, on Global Meetings Industry Day, we celebrate how much meetings matter in Greater Palm Springs. Hear more about why meetings matter directly from our valued clients and partners! #GMID2024 #MeetingsMatter #GlobalMeetingsIndustryDay U.S. Travel Association

Today is a special day for LA Tourism and our colleagues around the world – it's Global Meetings Industry Day. Alongside the U.S. Travel Association and our industry peers, we're proud to amplify how #MeetingsMatter and the immense impact they have on LA's vitality. From generating $24 billion in local business sales to supporting hundreds of small and diverse-owned businesses, meetings and conventions have fundamentally helped bring our community together. It continues to be our privilege to make every meeting in Los Angeles an opportunity to showcase our city's diversity, innovation, workforce and community commitment. https://lnkd.in/etj9jfre #GMID2024 #BEIW24 #DiscoverLA #MeetLA #MeetingProfs #EventProfs

Today is Global Meetings Industry Day and Marriott International is celebrating! Discover why #MeetingsMatter to us with a special message from Tammy Routh, SVP of Global Sales, Marriott International. #GMID2024 #MarriottBonvoyEvents

Congratulations, Timena, for winning "The Meeting that Meant Everything" contest! Your story underscores the importance of in-person meetings and events for fostering collaboration, building relationships and nurturing personal and professional development. A huge thank you to Meeting, Event & Travel Planning with Hilton for orchestrating this contest that inspired individuals from all corners of the globe to share why #MeetingsMatter. #GMID2024

Las Vegas is celebrating #GMID2024! 🎉 DYK: In 2023, Las Vegas hosted nearly 6 million convention attendees, and is looking forward to an even stronger 2024 with a robust schedule of meetings, trade shows, and events. Happy #GMID2024 from your Las Vegas team! #VegasMeansBusiness Meetings Mean Business

This #GlobalMeetingsIndustryDay, we spotlight the significance of meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions—especially in a global city such as NYC. Lighting partners in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island will illuminate in blue tonight in recognition of #GMID2024: #ConeyIslandParachuteJump Luna Park in Coney Island (📷: Michelle Rick) Empire Outlets NYC (📷: Isidoro Albino) #OneBryantPark and #OneFiveOne (📷: The Durst Organization) One World Observatory (📷: The Durst Organization) Pier 17 at The Seaport (📷: Jane Kratochvil—courtesy of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc.). Rockefeller Center (Tishman Speyer) SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (📷: Max Touhey) Sven LIC (📷: The Durst Organization) Javits Center (📷: Julienne Schaer) Special thanks to U.S. Travel Association and Meetings Mean Business for their instrumental efforts in coordinating this event. #MeetingsMatter. Be sure to spread the word to your family, friends, co-workers! Check out our press announcement for more: https://bit.ly/3VPVK9Z

Happy Global Meetings Industry Day from U.S. Travel Association! 🎉 #MeetingsMatter, and they play a vital role in connecting people, driving business growth and powering our economy. Today, organizations across the globe are marking #GMID2024. How are you joining the celebration? Share your plans in the comments ⬇️