USTOA delegation meets with Congress to highlight the value of the travel and tourism industry

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The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) hosted a delegation of tour operators who are active members and associate members in Washington, DC on June 11-12, 2024, to advocate on important tourism industry issues. The 40+ attendees from across the country met with Capitol Hill officials, including congressional delegations, members of Congress, and industry representatives to discuss sustainability, delays in processing passport and visa applications, promoting U.S. tourism, Real ID, and more.

The meeting began with updates from Marc Lerro, a TSA program analyst at the Department of Homeland Security, followed by Alex Lasry, assistant secretary of state for travel and tourism at the Department of Commerce. Lasry emphasized the critical economic role of inbound tourism and the importance of the Biden administration’s National Travel and Tourism Strategy as the U.S. prepares to host major international sporting events in the coming years.

Andrew Newhart, vice president of government relations at US Travel, addressed the group about the impact of visa wait times on inbound tourism and sustainability efforts. Other speakers included attorneys from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Jessica Klement, vice president of advocacy at the American Society of Travel Advisors, and Lena McDowall, deputy director for management and administration at the National Park Service. Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA-10) concluded the morning session with his remarks.

In the afternoon, USTOA members visited the Capitol to speak with congressional leaders on key issues, including sustainability, promoting U.S. tourism, delays in processing passport applications, the visa processing backlog and the visa waiver program, funding for national parks, travel infrastructure, consumer protections in air travel, and Real ID.

Dale, USTOA President, noted, “USTOA’s twelfth Congressional Caucus was an extremely productive gathering that emphasized the value of the travel and tourism industry. Advocacy remains a key pillar of USTOA and critical to leading our country toward a sustainable and responsible travel and tourism future.”

Dale also thanked the sponsors of the USTOA Congressional Caucus, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board, which hosted a dinner at the Sri Lankan Embassy on June 11, the Museum of the Bible, venue sponsor, Crum & Foster, host of the morning sessions on June 12, and the CCRA Travel Commerce Network for providing name badges.