Friday, July 4, 2025
The U.S. Travel Association has welcomed significant strides toward modernizing the nation’s travel infrastructure, following the passage of a comprehensive legislative package by Congress, which now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature. In an official statement, Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, highlighted key victories for the travel sector and outlined steps still needed to ensure the continued growth and improvement of the U.S. travel experience.
“This legislation is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to improving America’s travel infrastructure and security. Bold, necessary investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection will make a meaningful difference in the traveler’s experience,” said Freeman. “The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America’s promotion arm, that much harder to swallow. Making America the world’s most visited destination—and capitalizing on the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics—requires smarter policy and legislative changes that we are already pursuing.”
Investments to Modernize Travel Infrastructure
One of the most notable wins in the bill is the allocation of \$12.5 billion to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS). This funding will provide crucial updates to the U.S. air traffic control system, including upgrades to technology, physical infrastructure, and workforce development. The aim is to improve the efficiency and safety of air travel, laying the foundation for a more seamless and secure flying experience. As air travel continues to grow in demand, modernizing NAS becomes critical to keeping pace with the challenges of increased traffic and safety concerns.
Freeman emphasized that the modernization of air traffic control technology is pivotal not just for the immediate future but also for the long-term sustainability of the travel and aviation industries. This investment ensures that the U.S. stays at the forefront of global aviation innovation, paving the way for a more efficient airspace system.
Addressing Staffing Challenges at U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Another critical component of the legislative package is the investment in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill allocates \$4.1 billion to hire and train at least 5,000 new CBP officers, addressing staffing shortages that have plagued the agency for years. Additionally, the legislation provides \$2 billion in retention bonuses to ensure that experienced officers remain on the job. These efforts will help alleviate the long wait times that travelers often experience at airports and improve the overall efficiency of border security operations.
Freeman noted that reducing wait times is essential for enhancing the traveler experience, especially as international travel continues to grow. By bolstering the CBP workforce, the U.S. will not only improve the entry process for foreign visitors but also boost the economy by making it easier for travelers to enter the country.
Strengthening Border Security and Expanding Visa Waiver Program Access
To bolster national security and facilitate smoother travel, the legislation includes \$673 million to expand the biometric entry-exit system at U.S. ports of entry. This technology enhancement will improve border security while also unlocking future expansions to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). By implementing advanced biometric systems, the U.S. can better track the entry and exit of visitors, reducing the risk of overstays and improving overall security.
Freeman highlighted that expanding the VWP is vital for fostering stronger international relationships and encouraging tourism, which contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. Expanding this program will make it easier for more foreign nationals to visit the United States, stimulating growth in the tourism industry.
Preparing for Major Global Events
The U.S. government is making strategic investments in security and operational planning to ensure smooth execution of major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. A total of \$625 million is designated for security, planning, and operations related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while \$1 billion is earmarked for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Freeman stressed that these funds are crucial for ensuring the safety and security of both the visitors and residents during these high-profile global events.
These large-scale events will not only attract millions of visitors from around the world but also present a unique opportunity to showcase the U.S. as a global tourism destination. Freeman emphasized that ensuring the successful delivery of these events is vital for the tourism sector and the broader U.S. economy.
The Need for Full Funding for Brand USA
Despite these significant wins, Freeman made it clear that the work is far from finished. He called on Congress to restore full federal funding for Brand USA, the nation’s official destination marketing organization. Currently, Brand USA’s federal match has been drastically reduced from up to \$100 million annually to just \$20 million as part of broader federal spending cuts. The U.S. Travel Association has been advocating for the restoration of Brand USA’s funding, particularly as the country approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026 and prepares to host numerous global events.
Freeman pointed out that Brand USA plays a pivotal role in attracting international visitors, generating billions of dollars in tourism revenue. He urged Congress to meet President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget request for full funding for Brand USA, which is critical for maximizing the tourism potential of the nation’s milestone celebrations and other major events.
The Impact of Increased Visa Fees
However, Freeman also expressed frustration with the bill’s inclusion of significant increases to non-immigrant visa fees. Among the fee hikes, the legislation imposes a new \$250 Visa Integrity Fee for visitor visas, alongside a rise in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee for Visa Waiver Program travelers from \$21 to \$40. Freeman noted that while the increased fees might generate additional revenue, they could also have unintended consequences for international travelers, potentially discouraging some from visiting the U.S.
He stressed that the U.S. must remain competitive in the global tourism market and warned that higher visa fees could make it more difficult for international visitors to afford travel to the U.S. The travel industry must continue to advocate for policies that strike a balance between security and accessibility, ensuring that the country remains an attractive destination for global tourists.
“Failing to fully fund Brand USA is a missed opportunity—especially as the administration seeks to maximize a historic slate of global events on American soil,” said Freeman. “Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices. As Congress begins work on FY26 appropriations, it must fully fund Brand USA and ensure visitor fees are lowered, if not eliminated, wherever possible.”
Looking Ahead
The legislative package represents a major step forward in addressing many of the long-standing challenges facing the U.S. travel industry. From modernizing air traffic control systems to improving border security and enhancing the traveler experience, the investments outlined in the bill will help lay the groundwork for a more efficient, secure, and welcoming travel environment in the years ahead.
However, as Freeman noted, there is still work to be done. Ensuring that funding for Brand USA is restored and addressing the impact of increased visa fees are key priorities for the U.S. Travel Association as they continue to advocate for a robust and thriving travel industry. With these steps, the U.S. is poised to strengthen its position as a top global travel destination, welcoming millions of visitors from around the world while ensuring that the country’s tourism infrastructure remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.
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Tags: 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S.
