Tackling Key Industry Concerns at Capitol Hill

Earlier this month, from June 6-7, The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) led a group of more than 40 Active and Associate Members to Washington DC to meet with officials on Capitol Hill to advocate key industry issues. As USTOA continues to look “50 Years Forward” after celebrating our milestone anniversary last year, our members addressed the significance of the travel and tourism industry to jobs and economic stability in the U.S., and specifically, the contribution of the tour operator members of USTOA.  

The caucus commenced with an update from Brian Beall, acting deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism and director of the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). Beal was appointed as the director of the NTTO in May 2023 and previously held the position of deputy director for Policy and Planning at the office from 2014 to 2019. 

Vice president of government relations for the U.S. Travel Association, Treon Glenn addressed the attendees about sustainability advocacy efforts. Other participating speakers in the morning event include Kim Graber, deputy assistant general counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation; Karen Kulhman, senior vice president of government affairs for the American Association of Airport Executives; Fatemeh LeTellier with Pinnacle Travel Docs, and Eben Peck, executive vice president, advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors.

Following the morning assembly, groups of USTOA members visited the Capitol for meetings with leading members of Congress. Among the key topics addressed: improving DEI in the travel industry for both travelers and business partners, supporting the rapid deployment of new technologies and innovations that meet the growing demand for sustainable travel options promoting U.S. tourism, expediting the visa processing and waiver program, supporting a streamlined process for tour operators to utilize Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permits at national parks addressing passport application processing delays, implementation of the IIJA to fund large-scale infrastructure initiatives, aviation consumer protections/promoting competition in the travel industry, discussing REAL ID requirement extension and addressing the barriers of Cuba travel.

Overall, it was a successful experience in the nation’s capital as we advocated for responsible tourism. I am incredibly grateful to our members who participated and appreciative of the time each speaker and member of Congress spent with the USTOA team members.