News & Commentary

It has been one week since the government shutdown began, and Congress has yet to reach an agreement to restore funding—costing America’s travel economy an estimated $1 billion each week in lost spending.

The U.S. Travel Association released its updated Travel Forecast, projecting little growth in travel spending for 2025 but a significant decline in international inbound travel—a critical driver of the U.S. economy, jobs and global influence.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association sent a letter to Congressional leadership underscoring the detrimental impact a government shutdown would have on the travel economy and traveling public. In the letter, President and CEO Geoff Freeman highlighted the dangers of government shutdown.

Diane Shober, executive director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism, was announced August 18th as the 2025 State Tourism Director of the Year by her industry peers. The award recognizes excellence in marketing, promotion and individual leadership within the honoree’s state.

U.S. Travel Association announced recipients of the 2025 ESTO Awards at the 41st annual ESTO conference, held August 17-19 in Phoenix, Arizona. Winners were announced Monday evening at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.

The U.S. Travel Association today announced the launch of the America’s Sports and Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC)—a national alliance of sports, travel and business leaders dedicated to helping the United States successfully host a once-in-a-generation slate of global sporting events.