The U.S. travel and tourism industry is an economic powerhouse, creating millions of jobs and generating billions in revenue annually. At the heart of this industry’s advocacy and policy development, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition recently held a “Travel Works for America” Power Hour with United States Senator Catherine Cortez Masto during IMEX America on October 8 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The session focused on the impact of travel on the U.S. economy, current challenges, and upcoming opportunities to bolster the sector.
With more than 50 travel leaders in attendance, the Power Hour highlighted critical policy areas for the industry, reinforcing the importance of fostering collaboration between policymakers and the travel sector. Leaders from national travel businesses, trade groups, and destinations across the country attended the discussion, which addressed priorities and emphasized the need for strong advocacy and strategic initiatives to ensure continued growth and sustainability.
The Economic Significance of the U.S. Travel Industry
The U.S. travel and tourism industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, contributing $2.8 trillion in economic output and supporting 15 million jobs. In 2023 alone, travel that people did related to meetings and for the events generated big amount of $119 billion in spending and created large number like 600,000 jobs. The travel sector is more than just a financial drive; it fosters cultural exchange, strengthens local economies, and supports a vast network of service industries. Recognizing these broad impacts, the Power Hour discussion underscored the need for continuous policy support to sustain and grow this vital sector.
Senator Cortez Masto A Champion for Travel
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto has been a strong advocate for travel and tourism, particularly within her home state of Nevada, a global destination for leisure, business travel, and large-scale events. During the event, she reiterated her commitment to policies that strengthen the industry, highlighting Nevada’s role in the sector. “Between supporting thousands of working families, creating good-paying jobs, and bringing in visitors from all over the world, Nevada’s world-class travel, tourism, and convention industries are essential to both our state and national economies,” Cortez Masto said. “I’ll continue partnering with organizations like U.S. Travel to promote these industries of every kind and encourage more travelers around the world to experience everything Nevada has to offer.”
Nevada, home to Las Vegas—a city that has become synonymous with major conventions, sports events, and entertainment—is a testament to the travel industry’s power to reshape and sustain an economy. Senator Cortez Masto’s ongoing support aligns with broader national goals to expand travel opportunities, which would benefit not only Nevada but also other states seeking to grow their tourism industries.
Key Topics Addressed at the “Travel Works” Power Hour
During the Power Hour, a range of topics was discussed, each addressing specific challenges that the travel industry currently faces. From visa processing issues to worker shortages, the conversation pinpointed pressing matters that need immediate action:
Reducing Wait Times for Visitor Visas
One of the critical points of discussion was the backlog in processing visitor visas, which has led to average wait times of over 260 days in key markets. Prolonged visa wait times deter international visitors, impacting travel spending and the larger economy. Streamlining visa application processes could help attract more visitors and reduce the economic losses associated with travel delays. Industry leaders and Senator Cortez Masto discussed potential strategies for reducing these wait times, emphasizing the need for administrative and legislative support to address this bottleneck.
Expediting Customs at Gateway Airports
Another major challenge is the need to enhance efficiency at U.S. Customs, particularly in gateway airports where international travelers first enter the country. Long wait times at customs can discourage repeat travel, affecting the tourism industry. Senator Cortez Masto and the coalition discussed potential improvements, including technology upgrades, staffing increases, and collaborative measures to ensure smoother entry for international travelers, making the U.S. a more attractive destination.
Expanding the H-2B Visa Program for Temporary Workers
The H-2B visa program, which provides temporary work permits for seasonal employees, was also highlighted. Many small and seasonal businesses rely on these workers, especially during peak travel seasons. Expanding and making the H-2B visa program more flexible could support sectors such as hospitality, dining, and entertainment, all of which contribute to the travel industry’s success. This policy shift would help meet the demands of the seasonal workforce and ensure businesses have adequate staffing.
Preparing for a Decade of Major Sporting Events
With the U.S. set to host an unprecedented number of major sporting events over the next decade, including the World Cup and the Olympics, there are both opportunities and challenges ahead. The Power Hour discussion addressed the importance of infrastructure investment, resource allocation, and policy readiness to accommodate the expected influx of travelers. The successful handling of these events can serve as a significant boost to the economy, spotlighting the U.S. as a global destination for world-class experiences.
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition Advocating for the Value of Business Travel
Meetings Mean Business is a coalition dedicated to illustrating the value of business-related travel, including conventions, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, and conferences. Through its efforts, the coalition highlights how these activities support industries, foster innovation, and stimulate the economy. Business travel is a powerful contributor to the economy and serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, professional development, and global business connections. According to Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy at U.S. Travel, the coalition’s partnership with Senator Cortez Masto is essential to its mission. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring the Meetings Mean Business Coalition together with Senator Cortez Masto for a Travel Works discussion on the value of travel and its far-reaching impact on the U.S. economy,” Barnes said. “Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for travel, and we look forward to our continued work in support of the growth of travel to Nevada and across the nation.”
The coalition’s advocacy is crucial at a time when business travel is still recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although leisure travel has largely bounced back, business travel faces a slower recovery trajectory. Industry stakeholders, therefore, view policy support as key to expediting this rebound and restoring business travel’s full economic contributions.
The U.S. Travel Association A Pillar of Support for the Industry
The U.S. Travel Association, a nonprofit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, plays a pivotal role in supporting the sector through advocacy, policy development, and education. The association focuses on increasing travel to and within the United States, promoting travel as an essential contributor to the nation’s economic success. Through its advocacy initiatives, the U.S. Travel Association seeks to address key issues affecting the industry, such as workforce shortages, infrastructure needs, and travel accessibility. The Power Hour served as an extension of the association’s broader mission, providing a forum for policymakers and industry leaders to connect and discuss actionable solutions. By addressing these issues head-on, the U.S. Travel Association and its partners are working to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global travel market.
Travel’s Role in Community and Cultural Exchange
Travel is more than an economic driver; it is also a powerful tool for cultural exchange and understanding. By connecting people from diverse backgrounds, travel fosters empathy, breaks down cultural barriers, and promotes global unity. During the Power Hour, participants reflected on travel’s unique ability to unite communities and contribute to a more inclusive world.
Events such as IMEX America highlight the role of conventions and large gatherings in creating these connections. By bringing together travel leaders, business professionals, and policymakers, these events strengthen relationships and generate new ideas for advancing the industry. Travel plays a crucial role in connecting people and places, and by supporting the sector, policymakers are also fostering greater cultural and social cohesion.
The Future of Travel in a Changing World
As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for travel is only expected to grow. However, the industry must also navigate a range of challenges, from climate change to shifting consumer expectations. Policymakers and industry leaders are tasked with balancing growth with sustainability, ensuring that travel remains accessible, safe, and environmentally responsible.
Senator Cortez Masto and the U.S. Travel Association are advocating for policies that promote sustainable travel practices, from reducing carbon emissions to enhancing eco-friendly infrastructure. The Power Hour underscored the importance of forward-thinking policies that address both current challenges and future opportunities in the travel industry.
A Collaborative Path Forward for the U.S. Travel Industry
The “Travel Works for America” Power Hour with Senator Cortez Masto underscored the significance of travel as an economic and social force in the United States. Through collaborative efforts, travel industry leaders and policymakers are working to address pressing challenges, from visa processing delays to workforce shortages, while preparing for a promising future filled with growth opportunities. Senator Cortez Masto’s commitment to the travel industry, combined with the advocacy efforts of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and the U.S. Travel Association, exemplifies a proactive approach to supporting and advancing the sector. As the U.S. prepares to host major global events and welcomes millions of visitors each year, these partnerships and discussions are essential for ensuring that travel continues to benefit communities, foster cultural connections, and contribute to the nation’s economic well-being.
By addressing today’s issues and planning for tomorrow’s possibilities, the Power Hour discussions serve as a reminder that travel works for America—and, with continued support, it will remain a vibrant and thriving industry for generations to come.