‘Urgent Action Needed’: US Travel CEO Testifies Before Congress

The U.S. Travel Association’s CEO called on Congress today to take urgent action upgrading America’s travel system ahead of several global events the country will host in the coming years.

Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, said in testimony before Congress that inefficient processes impacting travel to the U.S. must be addressed.

In particular, Freeman pointed to challenges affecting visas, customs, and airport screening, as well as outdated technology including the country’s antiquated air traffic control systems and aging screening technology.

Freeman also highlighted the increasing global competition from travel investments made by China, India, and Saudi Arabia to attract tourism.

Some of the specific challenges highlighted by Freeman today included:

• Bureaucratic inefficiencies: Long wait times at TSA checkpoints, customs, and visa processing, which Freeman said, hurt both the travel experience and the U.S. economy.
• Outdated technology: Much of the country’s air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure still uses antiquated systems that need modernizing. Airport security and customs technology also need significant investment to streamline passenger flow and maintain high-security standards, he said.
• Global competition: Countries like China, India, and Saudi Arabia are rapidly advancing their travel infrastructure, putting the U.S. at risk of losing market share, said Freeman.

“Travel is an economic powerhouse in the U.S., driving nearly $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,” Freeman said in testimony before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security. 

“The reality is: Bold leadership is required now to prioritize travel. Our travel systems are under pressure, and without immediate action, we risk falling behind,” Freeman added.

The U.S. will host several major world events over the next four years, including the 2025 Club World Cup, Ryder Cup, the 2026 World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the 2028 Olympics. These events are expected to contribute nearly $100 billion in economic activity and bring an estimated 40 million international travelers.

It’s not yet clear how recent actions of the Trump Administration may impact visitation for these events. An Associated Press report today said three months into 2025, international arrivals to the U.S. are “plummeting.” The same report indicated that travelers are upset by Trump administration policies, such as tariffs, and the president’s political rhetoric.

These developments are causing some would-be international visitors to instead opt for other countries. Similarly, international visitors have been put off by the recent spate of tourists being arrested at U.S. borders.

New data from the National Travel and Tourism Office shows visits to the U.S. from abroad fell 11.6 percent in March from the same period last year.

The U.S. Travel Association has been working to raise awarenes surrounding the arrival experience for incoming travelers. In February, the industry organization launched a national campaign outlining key policy proposals that it would like the administration and Congress to act upon to ensure the U.S. remains a travel leader.

The association has said its proposals are focused on transforming the travel experience, from pre-travel planning to arrival, to ensure a seamless and secure process for all travelers.

“Modernization is essential to ensure we remain competitive and responsive to the evolving needs of global travelers,” Freeman told Congress. 

“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,” he added.

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