Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

USTA launches Sustainable Travel Coalition

More than 100 travel industry organizations have urged the government to boost sustainable travel

USTA launches Sustainable Travel Coalition

THE U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION recently launched the Sustainable Travel Coalition to align the travel, transportation and technology sectors to create a more sustainable U.S. travel industry, a statement said. The coalition with nearly 60 member organizations will advise USTA on sustainability issues, opportunities and concerns within the industry.

The long-term goals of the coalition include, showcasing innovative technologies and calling attention to the ongoing actions and leadership of travel professionals in the sustainability space, boosting industry goals and commitments to conservation, best practices, waste and emission reductions and both long- and short-term investments. It will also highlight why sustainability matters in the industry and play offense by identifying and promoting proactive policies and defend against harmful policies that slow progress or penalize the industry without progress.


A policy committee will monitor regular progress and collaboration.

“Seeing the world and saving the world should not be mutually exclusive. As technology advances and consumers demand more sustainable travel options, the work of this coalition will ensure that the U.S. travel industry can meet the needs of an evolving market while also protecting our planet’s natural resources," said Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of Public Affairs and Policy, USTA. “This is clearly an issue that spans well beyond the travel industry itself to practically all other sectors of the U.S. economy. By bringing together stakeholders across related industries, we are aligning leaders in travel, transportation and technology on the critical issues that will affect their businesses for decades to come.”

Recently, more than 100 travel industry organizations have urged the government to accelerate investment in sustainable travel.

According to them, the near-term priorities include, a tax credit for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel, such as those proposed in the Sustainable Skies Act, an enhanced tax credit to increase the availability of electric vehicle charging stations and an enhanced tax deduction to increase energy efficiency upgrades to commercial buildings.

Other industry demands are, federal investments to protect and restore natural attractions, including recreational waterways, shorelines, and national parks, other clean energy incentives for investment in renewable energy deployment, green hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, direct air capture and other innovative technologies to lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuels and the power grid, the statement further said.

In June, USTA applauded Biden administration's new National Travel and Tourism Strategy and termed it as a step forward in restoring the travel industry.

More for you

Park Hyatt luxury hotel celebrating 45th anniversary
Photo credit: Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Park Hyatt hits 45 years

Summary:

  • Hyatt Hotels Corp. marked 45 years of its Park Hyatt brand.
  • It recently launched “Luxury Is Personal,” its first global campaign in more than five years.
  • Its luxury hotel portfolio has grown 146 percent since 2017.

HYATT HOTELS CORP. marked the 45th anniversary of its Park Hyatt brand, launched in 1980 with Park Hyatt Chicago. It also introduced “Luxury Is Personal,” its first global marketing campaign for the brand in more than five years.

Keep ReadingShow less
U.S. government shutdown 2025 news
Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Trump, Congress face shutdown deadline

Summary:

  • President Donald Trump will meet Congress as a shutdown looms.
  • Democrats say they are ready to negotiate a bipartisan deal.
  • Thousands of federal jobs and the U.S. travel economy are at risk if a shutdown occurs.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP will meet Congressional leaders on Monday after Senate Democrats rejected a Republican stopgap spending bill to fund the government until Nov. 21. The U.S. Travel Association recently warned a government shutdown could cost the travel economy $1 billion a week.

Keep ReadingShow less
H-2B visa hospitality impact

Study: H-2B visas boost U.S. jobs and wages

Summary:

  • The H-2B visa program protects U.S. jobs and wages, according to AHLA citing a study.
  • It allows hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the economy.
  • It provides foreign workers for seasonal jobs when domestic workers are unavailable.

THE H-2B VISA program does not harm U.S. jobs or wages but increases pay and supports the labor force, according to an Edgeworth Economics study. Citing that study, the American Hotel & Lodging Association said the program enables hotels and resorts to meet travelers’ needs while supporting the workforce and economy.

Keep ReadingShow less
AAHOA advocacy focuses on SBA loans, visa reform
Photo credit: AAHOA

AAHOA advocacy focuses on SBA loans, visa reform

Summary:

  • AAHOA’s FNAC focused on SBA loans, visa fees and Brand USA funding.
  • The association hosted a reception for members who donated $1,001 or more to its PAC, which supports advocacy on Capitol Hill and in state capitals.
  • The event featured SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler of Georgia.

AAHOA’s FALL NATIONAL Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 16 to 17 focused on expanding Small Business Administration loan access, repealing the Visa Integrity Fee and restoring Brand USA funding. The biannual conferences bring hotel owners together each spring and fall to meet lawmakers and advance their priorities in federal policymaking.

Keep ReadingShow less
AHLA hotel survey

AHLA: Hotels scaling back development plans

Summary:

  • AHLA’s survey finds reduced hotel development and renovation plans.
  • Only 8 percent of property owners are moving forward with new investments.
  • Survey participants included 387 property owners and operators.

ABOUT 32 PERCENT of U.S. hotel owners and operators are delaying development projects and 24 percent are scaling back plans, according to a recent survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. About 8 percent have canceled projects entirely.

Keep ReadingShow less