News & Commentary

“Today’s announcement from Secretary Duffy and Administrator Bedford reinforces that safety is the number one priority in our nation’s air travel system. The decision to reduce scheduled flight capacity, while necessary to keep our skies safe, will inevitably affect the travel experience, leading to fewer flights, longer delays and more disruptions for travelers."

“Air travel’s number one priority is safety and while safety will be maintained, travelers will pay a heavy and completely unnecessary price in terms of delays, cancelations and lost confidence in the air travel experience,” said Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO.

The U.S. Travel Association announced Erik Hansen as senior vice president, head of government relations, where he will lead the association’s advocacy strategy and engagement with policymakers on issues critical to strengthening and growing the U.S. travel industry.

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.