The US Travel Association, the peak body representing the travel industry in the United States, has released a report urging immediate reforms to prepare for upcoming mega-events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Games and America’s 250th anniversary.
The report warns that without action, the country’s air travel system, in particular, will face significant strain.
Among its statements, US Travel flags airport security as a key concern. The association proposes increased funding for security technology to streamline screening processes, allowing travellers to pack larger liquids, keep electronics and IDs in bags, and avoid removing shoes, jackets and belts.
They also call for full staffing at airport customs and leveraging biometrics to reduce wait times for returning Americans (which could then free up staff for non-US citizens) and strengthen protection against immigration overstays.
Visa processing must also improve, says the organisation, including more efficient processing for the World Cup, full consular staffing, extended visa validity for vetted visitors and a National Vetting Service.
“It’s time for a new strategy… to secure America’s global travel leadership and establish the US as the world’s top destination,” US Travel states in its blueprint for the travel industry.
“Just regaining our lost market share, which declined from 12.8% to 9.1% since 2015, would generate 127 million additional visitors over the next decade, resulting in US$478 billion in additional spending with US businesses.
“But we should aim higher. And the opportunity is right on our doorstep.”
“Over the next four years, America is set to host several premier events – including the 2025 Ryder Cup, America’s 250th birthday, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Additionally, the report highlights the need to modernise air traffic control and address air traffic controller shortages. In January, an American Airlines jet was involved in a fatal air crash in Washington DC, which brought into question current air traffic control protocols.
Leadership needed
To avoid delays and frustrated travellers, US Travel also calls for White House leadership to oversee preparations.
Among its advice, it recommends establishing a task force to coordinate efforts across the federal government.
“The US holds a dubious distinction among the world’s major economies: We are the only G20 country without a federal agency or Cabinet-level official in charge of travel policy,” the report states.
Among the report’s key recommendations are:
- White House leadership: A federal task force to oversee travel policies ahead of major events.
- Visa processing improvements: Faster approvals, extended visa validity, and increased consular staffing.
- Security upgrades: Investment in airport screening technology to ease passenger flow.
- Border efficiency: Expanding biometric systems to cut down on long customs wait times.
APAC advancing
In the report, US Travel flags the ongoing rise of the Asia-Pacific region and its play to grab a larger slice of the lucrative global tourism pie.
“While the US currently boasts the world’s largest travel market, China’s rapid travel growth has the country on track to catch and then surpass the US by nearly $500 billion over the next decade,” the report reads.
“India’s travel market is also expanding quickly, which should help that nation jump from eighth place globally to fourth in terms of market size by 2034.
“Overall, the Asia Pacific region is rapidly building out its travel infrastructure to accommodate aspiring travellers, accounting for more than one-third of major construction projects at existing airports and more than half of new airport construction.
“And other countries are also intent on seizing a larger share of the global travel boom. Saudi Arabia is investing more than $1 trillion over the next decade as part of its strategy to attract 100 million visitors by 2030.”
The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, comprised of former government officials and private sector experts, authored the report. They stress that with bipartisan support and new leadership in place, the US has a rare opportunity to revamp its travel infrastructure and secure its place as a global tourism leader.
To read the full report, click here.
