News & Commentary

“Howard Lutnick will bring strong leadership to the Department of Commerce as we look ahead to a decade with significant economic opportunity — from the 2025 Ryder Cup to America 250, the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. With the right policies in place, this mega-decade of events can attract millions of new travelers and generate nearly $100 billion in economic activity for our country."

“We are encouraged by the focus and leadership of President Trump and Secretary Duffy on addressing longstanding challenges in America’s air traffic control system. The travel industry has repeatedly called for greater investments in technology and manpower to build a world-class aviation experience. We are eager to work with the president to build the system Americans deserve, one that can ensure their safety and keep up with a surging demand in air travel.”

New tariffs on Canada could impact Canadian visitation to and spending in the United States. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States, with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. A 10% reduction in Canadian travel could mean 2.0 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses.

“Doug Burgum is the kind of strong, results-driven leader we need to oversee our nation’s most iconic public lands—our national parks—which remain a source of deep pride and a key driver of visitation from travelers, domestically and abroad. Under Secretary Burgum’s leadership, and as we look ahead to celebrations of the 250th anniversary of our great nation, we can continue to build on the success of these destinations and strengthen their role in our economy."

“Former Congressman Sean Duffy will bring strong leadership to the Department of Transportation, an agency that serves a critical role in facilitating travel. There is a significant opportunity ahead to strengthen and improve the travel process by modernizing our nation’s travel infrastructure. U.S. Travel looks forward to partnering with Secretary Duffy and the DOT to, as he put it in his confirmation hearing, ‘usher in a golden age of travel.’”

“We congratulate Kristi Noem on her appointment to lead the Department of Homeland Security. She steps into this role at a critical time—when the opportunity to improve both travel security and efficiency has never been more important. As we prepare to showcase America and welcome the world for major events over the next four years, it is paramount that DHS is prepared for its public safety responsibility as well as its duty to facilitate the lawful travel of millions to and within the country."