WASHINGTON - Last week, over the course of two days, U.S. Travel Association’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel convened to advance their work to innovate the travel process and determine how the United States can more effectively compete for global travelers. The Commission toured Washington Dulles International Airport with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Systems Integration Facility near Reagan National Airport with TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

The Commission also held discussions with U.S. Travel’s Airport and Airlines Advisory Group as well as other key industry leaders, incorporating input and potential recommendations for consideration in their final report expected this fall.

Members of the Commission and CBP officials at Washington Dulles International Airport. — Photo by U.S. Travel AssociationMembers of the Commission and CBP officials at Washington Dulles International Airport. — Photo by U.S. Travel Association
Members of the Commission and CBP officials at Washington Dulles International Airport. — Photo by U.S. Travel Association
CBP and TSA are taking important steps to improve the travel process, and we commend their efforts. It’s clear that decades of underinvestment from Congress, combined with a lack of coordination at the federal level, has left these agencies in a pinch. With the World Cup and Summer Olympics around the corner, the time for federal leadership and investment in innovative initiatives and technologies is now. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of U.S. Travel Association
Thank you to CBP and TSA for hosting the Commission over two days. These meetings were incredibly insightful as we work to develop recommendations to improve the travel process. It's clear technology is rapidly developing and progress is being made, but more significant investments now could accelerate technology deployment and greatly improve security. Kevin McAleenan, Chairman of the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel
We were delighted to welcome our partners from U.S. Travel and the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel to the TSIF, where we test new and emerging checkpoint technologies in a live environment. Their support is invaluable in our mutual goal of boosting security effectiveness, efficiency and the overall customer experience. TSA Administrator David Pekoske
Members of the Commission and CBP officials at Washington Dulles International Airport. — Photo by U.S. Travel AssociationMembers of the Commission and CBP officials at Washington Dulles International Airport. — Photo by U.S. Travel Association
Members of the Commission and CBP officials at Washington Dulles International Airport. — Photo by U.S. Travel Association

Since its founding in January, the Commission has engaged with government and industry partners in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, as well as the United Kingdom. U.S. Travel established the commission following a Euromonitor International survey that ranked the U.S. 17th out of 18 major economies for travel competitiveness, an especially difficult finding that must be reversed as the U.S. prepares to welcome FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Summer Olympics in 2028, and the Winter Olympics in 2034. The Commission is expected to release its recommendations to improve the travel process this fall.

About U.S. Travel Association

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.