Travel advocates from across USA honor Travel Champion Award winners

WASHINGTON – Nearly 400 U.S. Travel Association members and industry advocates from all 50 states and two territories are in Washington, D.C., this week for the travel industry’s premier legislative fly-in event for Travel Champion Award to meet with Members of Congress and advocate for urgent policy changes to modernize the American travel system.

During U.S. Travel’s Destination Capitol Hill, the association recognized Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Gary Peters (D-MI), and Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) for their leadership in working toward a modern, secure and seamless travel system. As the nation prepares to host major global events such as the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, these lawmakers understand the historic opportunity before the U.S. and are championing policies that will strengthen our infrastructure and enhance the traveler experience.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (middle) represents one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.

“Today’s travel process presents significant challenges for both domestic and international travelers,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel. “Senators Moran and Peters, and Representatives Diaz-Balart and Castor are leading the charge to ensure that the American travel experience becomes a high-tech, seamless journey – where screening lines are replaced by walk-through biometrics, customs processes are streamlined and security remains a top priority. Their leadership is critical as we prepare to welcome millions of visitors for the biggest global events of the decade. Without immediate action, the U.S. risks overwhelmed entry points, massive delays and frustrated travelers – impacting both our economy and global reputation.”

Last month, U.S. Travel launched a national campaign outlining the critical steps the Administration and Congress must take to ensure the U.S. remains the world’s travel leader. The blueprint lays out essential policy recommendations to:

• Establish White House leadership to showcase America at premier events.
• Process visas efficiently and securely for the 2026 World Cup.
• Develop the world’s most advanced and secure airport screening process by making a historic investment in security technology.
• Create strong, modern and efficient airport borders to keep America safe and global travel moving.

Travel Champions

• Sen. Jerry Moran has been a steadfast advocate for modernizing air travel, ensuring both safety and efficiency for American travelers. As co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, he works to increase travel to and within the U.S. and plays a pivotal role in helping Kansas City prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
• Sen. Gary Peters, ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, champions the use of advanced screening technology and biometrics to improve both security and efficiency. He is a leader in ensuring the U.S. travel system remains state-of-the-art and competitive on the global stage.
• Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart represents one of the top travel destinations in the U.S. He recognizes the economic power of travel and is working to ensure Miami and other U.S. cities are prepared to host global events, including the Club World Cup this summer and the 2026 World Cup.
• Rep. Kathy Castor is co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus. She is helping the U.S. prepare for the 2026 World Cup – ensuring host cities across the country are ready to welcome visitors and showcase the best of America.

The Travel Champion Award is an annual honor presented to Members of Congress and Executive Branch officials who demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing policies that drive travel to and within the United States.

The article Travel advocates from across USA honor Travel Champion Award winners first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.