U.S. Travel Applauds Confirmation of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the Senate’s confirmation of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State:

“We applaud the U.S. Senate for confirming Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, a position that is central to welcoming millions of global travelers to the United States every year. Through his leadership as a senator from Florida, Secretary Rubio understands the economic and diplomatic impact of a robust travel industry.

“With the U.S. hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games over the next four years, it is crucial that we continue to win the global competition for travelers. This will require strong leadership and focused effort from the State Department to improve efficiency, reduce visa wait times and expand security-first programs such as the Visa Waiver Program. The travel industry is ready to partner with Secretary Rubio to ensure America remains the global leader in travel.”