U.S. Travel Industry Reacts to 2024 Election Results

Travel groups are responding to the 2024 U.S. election results. 

Early Wednesday morning, the presidential race was called for former president Donald Trump (R), who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris (D). Republicans have maintained control of the Senate, while House races are still being called. 

In a letter to members, American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)’s advocacy team said they are “looking forward to re-introducing ourselves to the Trump administration and new Cabinet members who will affect travel policy.” 

ASTA also congratulated the newest members of Congress and noted that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)’s re-election means he will likely be chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which oversees most travel policies. 

Throughout the year, ASTA advocates for federal legislation that would directly impact travel advisors and their small businesses. The organization told members that their priorities remain largely the same going into 2025.

“We will have a busy year ahead, so keep an eye on your inbox for grassroots alerts—sent when we most need help on the Hill or with the Administration,” ASTA’s advocacy team said.

The biggest priorities for ASTA continue to be educating policymakers on what advisors do and the impact they have, pushing against the new DOL overtime rule, and also pressing legislators to change how advisors are categorized in the new refund rule.

USTOA doubles down on commitments

Terry Dale, CEO of the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA), released a statement focused on reiterating the organization’s beliefs, including sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion, following Trump’s re-election.

“As a new administration enters the office, our commitment to ongoing education, advocacy, and responsible travel practices are unwavering, ensuring that these values are maintained in the evolving landscape of our industry,” Dale said.

He added that USTOA will continue to advocate for legislation that benefits its members and the travel industry at large.

“At the centerpiece is the annual Congressional Caucus where we meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss critical legislative issues that include open borders and sustainability, among other core business issues,” Dale said. “We look forward to returning to DC this upcoming June to champion the issues our members care about, work to develop solutions, and build a long-lasting future for travel and tourism, a major economic driver in the US economy.”

U.S. Travel looks ahead

U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Geoff Freeman issued a statement on Wednesday, congratulating the new President-Elect and saying that the association looks “forward to working” with them.

In his statement, Freeman noted just how significant the next four years will be for inbound travel to the U.S., with some major events being held on American soil likely to draw hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of visitors.

“As we embark on a mega-decade of sports – including the World Cup and Summer and Winter Olympics – a tremendous opportunity is ahead to maximize the competitive strength of the United States as a travel destination. We stand ready to work with the new administration to realize America’s full potential,” Freeman said.

The World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, throughout North America (the final will be at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey), while Los Angeles will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2028.

American Hotel & Lodging Association reacts

The AHLA also issued a statement congratulating the new administration and saying that it looks forward to working with them. In the statement, the AHLA stressed that it is one of the economic powerhouses of the U.S. economy, and keeping the segment healthy, not only powers tourism in the U.S. but also small businesses.  

“The hotel industry is an economic powerhouse for the U.S. economy. AHLA’s overall advocacy goals are to advance public policies that support and enable the industry’s long-term growth potential and protect hoteliers’ bottom lines,” interim president and CEO Kevin Carey said in a statement on Tuesday.

In terms of legislative agenda for the next four years, the AHLA said it would continue to campaign for “business-friendly” tax rates, an expanded workforce, and “a level playing field for hotels and short-term rentals.” It also said that it would be fighting against any government overreach or interference.