Company Directory - U.S. Travel Association
Company Details - U.S. Travel Association
U.S. Travel Association
WebsiteThe U.S. Travel Association is a trade association representing the travel industry in the United States, advocating for policies that enhance the economic and social impact of travel.
CCI Score
CCI Score: U.S. Travel Association
3.27
Latest Event
US Travel Association Spends $3.75M on Lobbying in 2024
According to OpenSecrets data, the U.S. Travel Association spent $3,750,000 on lobbying activities in 2024. The figures, calculated based on Senate Office of Public Records data, indicate significant political expenditure to advocate for industry-favorable policies.
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OBJECTOR
U.S. Travel Association is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- DEC312024
According to OpenSecrets data, the U.S. Travel Association spent $3,750,000 on lobbying activities in 2024. The figures, calculated based on Senate Office of Public Records data, indicate significant political expenditure to advocate for industry-favorable policies.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 15
The U.S. Travel Association's allocation of $3.75M for lobbying is seen as a considerable exertion of corporate power to shape public policy in ways that may prioritize industry interests over protections for marginalized communities. From an anti-fascist perspective, extensive lobbying often contributes to entrenchment of corporate influence in politics, undermining democratic accountability.
- JAN012024
U.S. Travel Association has achieved a series of advocacy wins including reducing visa wait times, securing critical funding for travel initiatives, and influencing legislative reports. Notably, the association helped defeat an amendment aimed at blocking TSA's use of facial recognition technology, a move that on one hand advances industry priorities, but on the other raises concerns about the entrenchment of repressive surveillance practices.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
April 15
The U.S. Travel Association demonstrated robust public and political engagement by lobbying for legislative measures that improve travel infrastructure and expedite visa processes. Their efforts to secure lower visa wait times, additional funding for travel facilitation, and enhanced coordination among federal agencies reflect proactive advocacy that supports transparent policy-making and civic participation.
-40
Provision of Repressive Technologies
April 15
By successfully defeating an amendment that would have limited TSA’s use of automated facial recognition technology, the association indirectly supported the continuation of surveillance measures. From an anti-fascist perspective, maintaining these repressive technologies can contribute to the normalization of intrusive monitoring, which is concerning despite the broader legislative successes.
- NOV102023
The U.S. Travel Association eliminated six positions, including senior-level roles, as part of a restructuring effort aimed at making the organization more focused and efficient. The decision, confirmed through an internal memo by CEO Geoff Freeman and reported by Skift, left affected employees surprised and unsettled.
-20
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 15
The mass elimination of positions, particularly senior-level roles, raises concerns regarding labor stability and worker rights. From a left-leaning perspective that emphasizes fair labor practices and worker protection, such layoffs—even as part of a restructuring—can be seen as prioritizing executive efficiency over employee security.
U.S. Travel Lays Off Senior-Level Staffers Amid Restructuring - Skift
- OCT012023
The U.S. Travel Association announced the appointment of Nicole Porter to lead political fundraising and expand the association's grassroots political education efforts. Porter, with previous experience in political and advocacy roles, is expected to strengthen the industry's engagement with political leaders as part of a broader strategy to support travel recovery post-pandemic.
+30
Executive Political Engagement
October 1
Nicole Porter's appointment to lead political fundraising and grassroots education is viewed as a progressive move that enhances political engagement within a key industry. By fostering a more informed and active membership base, the initiative can promote transparency and civic participation, countering authoritarian tendencies. While it serves business interests, the effort to increase political education and inclusiveness is a positive indicator of democratic engagement.
U.S. Travel Taps Nicole Porter to Boost Political Outreach | Brand USA
- SEP052023
The U.S. Travel Association, through its economist Aaron Szyf, highlighted the economic losses from reduced international travel and urged the government to reduce visa wait times and other travel barriers to boost inbound tourism and retail spending.
+50
Public and Political Behavior
April 15
USTA's advocacy for easing travel restrictions is an effort that promotes inclusivity and connection, aiming to support economic recovery and democratic values by countering overly restrictive policies that could marginalize both consumers and workers.
+30
Economic and Structural Influence
April 15
By pressing for improvements in visa wait times and reduction of other restrictive measures, USTA is promoting economic revitalization and job creation in local communities, reinforcing a structure that favors broad-based economic inclusion rather than authoritarian restrictions.
- JAN112023
On January 11, 2023, during an NPR interview, Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, highlighted systemic issues in the air travel system, including outdated technology and staffing shortages at the FAA. Freeman called for significant investments in modernizing air travel infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable service for the public.
+20
Executive Political Engagement
April 15
The CEO’s public engagement on NPR demonstrates a proactive effort to address critical infrastructure issues in the air travel system. By calling for investments to replace outdated technology and improve operational oversight at the FAA, the U.S. Travel Association is advocating for reforms that benefit public safety and modernize a key sector, aligning with progressive and democratic values.
U.S. Travel Association leader speaks on recent travel woes, and possible solutions
- JAN012023
An OpenSecrets report details that the US Travel Association PAC received 336 large contributions during the 2023-2024 election cycle. The report highlights the role of public relations firms enlisting former White House and Congressional staffers to lobby on behalf of the association, emphasizing the use of dark money and less-than-transparent political funding.
-20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
October 1
The report underscores the significant flow of large contributions to the US Travel Association PAC, which the association uses to bolster its lobbying efforts. Although the article does not explicitly link these contributions to explicit far‐right ideology, the heavy reliance on politically influential fundraising and the incorporation of former government officials into lobbying roles raise concerns about corporate influence in democratic processes and accountability.
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Industries
- 481211
- Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
- 487110
- Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land
- 561599
- All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services
- 712190
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions
- 713940
- Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers
- 721110
- Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels