WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Travel Association said here this week that the U.S. risk overwhelms its infrastructure and frustrates millions of travelers without an emergency modern air travel system, on the brink of a surge in forecasted tourists.
one Report The Seamless and Safe Travel Commission from U.S. Travel urges immediate action to prepare the United States for a decade of global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2025 Ryder Cup and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. According to the report, these events alone could bring 40 million international tourists to the United States, driving $95 billion in economic activity.
Recommendations include the establishment of a White House task force to study what is needed to adapt to activities over the next decade; speed up visa processing by increasing consular staffing; make substantial investments in airport screening technology and use biometrics to reduce airport waiting time; Customs agents for all personnel; and implement plans to end hours of waiting time for Americans returning from abroad.
“The committee’s recommendations are a necessary shift,” Geoff Freeman, CEO of U.S. Travel, said at the Capitol meeting. “It’s an opportunity for President Trump and Congress that was once a generational opportunity,” , modernize travel, enhance safety and unlock opportunities that we estimate are $100 billion over the next four years. Success will not come from small repairs or slow down – reforms will take bold action, and now A bold move must begin.”
The Seamless and Safety Travel Commission outlines several recommendations that will modernize U.S. air traffic control and transform airport safety protocols, such as overhauling the so-called outdated air traffic control technology and addressing the air traffic controller’s Severe shortage.
It also calls for the world’s most advanced and safest airport screening process through state-of-the-art technology, thereby enhancing security and reducing waiting time. The committee recommends that travelers be allowed to carry filled water bottles and other larger bottles by safely, and allow them to leave all their electronic devices in their schoolbags.
“The status quo is not an option,” Freeman said. “Travel demand is surging, our infrastructure is aging, and global competitors are moving quickly — in most cases, much faster than the United States. If we don’t act, , We risked keeping travelers out, took away economic opportunities and damaged the world of leadership we lead.”
