U.S. Travel Association

As the federal government shutdown continues, we are reaffirming that #DCisOpen and ready to welcome visitors. “When the federal government shuts down, some visitors may assume DC does too, but that’s far from the truth,” said Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of #DestinationDC. Washington, DC remains vibrant — from world-class restaurants and local neighborhoods to independently operated museums, theaters and attractions. The city is also hosting major conventions this month, continuing to drive economic impact for local businesses and supporting more than 111,000 tourism-related jobs. Read the full press release to learn how we are supporting tourism and local businesses during the shutdown: https://lnkd.in/eSkYEyMF #Only1DC #DCisOpen #DestinationDC #Travel #Tourism #Hospitality #Meetings

Registration for U.S. Travel’s #IPW2026 is now OPEN! From May 17–21, 2026, over 5,000 travel professionals will gather in Greater Fort Lauderdale at America’s premier international inbound marketplace—where the entire industry convenes under one roof.  In just five days, you’ll fuel new business growth, deepen industry connections and renew partnerships that are essential to long-term success. Secure your spot: http://bit.ly/4nYWW66

Today in Washington, a delegation from Federturismo Confindustria, led by President Marina Lalli , met with the USTravel Association for a high-level discussion on strengthening transatlantic tourism cooperation. The Italian delegation included Stefano Fiori, Elisabetta Fabri, Domenico Pellegrino, Tommaso Tanzilli, Gianfranco Battisti, Gianna Mazzarella, Gabriella Gentile, Stefania Tofani, Massimiliano Cardullo, and myself. The meeting focused on market trends, aviation and connectivity, travel facilitation and security, destination promotion, digital innovation, and skills development, identifying new opportunities for collaboration between our two countries. It was a productive and strategic dialogue reaffirming how international cooperation is key to the competitiveness and sustainability of global tourism—especially looking ahead to major events such as the 2025 Jubilee, the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. A sincere thank you to the USTravel Association for the warm welcome and to all colleagues for representing so effectively the strength and vision of Italy’s tourism industry. #Federturismo #USTravel #TourismCooperation #TravelLeadership #ItalyUSA #Aviation #SkillsDevelopment #DigitalTourism

To travelers flying right now: take a moment to thank the travel heroes getting you on your way.    TSA officers and air traffic controllers are showing up every day to keep travelers moving—even through the shutdown. These are the people who make travel possible, often without recognition and right now, without pay.    To everyone keeping America’s travel system moving: we see you, and we stand with you.  #ShutDowntheShutdown #TravelIsEssential Transportation Security Administration (TSA) | Federal Aviation Administration | U.S. Department of Transportation | U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Flight delays are piling up. Smithsonian museums and attractions are shutting their doors. Businesses across the country are feeling the pain.   The government shutdown is hitting hard, and we want to hear from you. Tell us how it’s impacting your business, your community or your travel plans: https://lnkd.in/edG5huib #ShutDowntheShutdown #TravelIsEssential

It’s been two weeks, and Congress has still failed to reopen the government. What this means for travel: Smithsonian museums—closed. The National Zoo—closed. Flight delays and cancellations are mounting as an already stretched federal workforce, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, faces further strain. Over the three-day holiday weekend alone, nearly 30,000 flights were delayed in, within and out of the U.S., according to FlightAware. The shutdown has already cost our economy an estimated $2 billion in lost travel spending. Congress must pass a clean CR and reopen the government to keep America moving. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e5YJJfyr  #ShutdownTheShutdown #TravelIsEssential

✈️ What’s happening in travel today? Our latest Travel Forecast has the answers. U.S. Travel’s research team crunched the numbers and distilled them into 3 powerful takeaways you need to know. Get the full picture: https://lnkd.in/gU722UPw #travelresearch #traveldata #travelforecast #ustravel #travelisessential 

The open road is calling again. 🚗  According to new research from Hilton, 71% of Americans plan to drive on their next vacation—a clear sign the great American road trip is back. Travelers are craving spontaneity, connection and time to explore on their own terms. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, there’s huge potential to inspire more travel—by road, rail or sky—and rediscover the places that tell our nation’s story. 📊 Source: Hilton 2026 Trends Report: https://lnkd.in/eRJU94qH #America250 #TravelisEssential #RoadTrip #TravelData #Travel

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rossi Ralenkotter, a visionary leader whose imprint on the travel industry will be felt for generations.    As longtime head of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority - LVCVA and a former chair of U.S. Travel, Rossi helped transform Las Vegas into the global destination it is today—driving record visitation, pioneering data-driven marketing and launching the iconic “What Happens Here, Stays Here” campaign. Inducted into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders in 2014, Rossi was not only a master marketer but also a tireless advocate for policies that strengthened travel nationwide. His leadership, creativity and warmth inspired colleagues across the country.   U.S. Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman shared: “Rossi Ralenkotter changed the game. His audacious, data-driven marketing campaigns raised the bar for destinations around the globe. His warmth and kindness made him a trusted partner not just to his colleagues in Las Vegas, but to travel professionals from coast to coast. The entire travel industry mourns his loss and is better off for every day we had together.” We extend our deepest condolences to Rossi’s wife, Mary Jo, his family and the entire Las Vegas travel community.