Region:
USA
Category:
Tourism

US Travel Association's IPW24 concludes with the aim of propelling the U.S. to become the most visited nation in the world

  • US Travel Association's IPW24 concludes with the aim of propelling the U.S. to become the most visited nation in the world
    Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association US Travel Association's IPW24 concludes with the aim of propelling the U.S. to become the most visited nation in the world
Region:
USA
Category:
Tourism
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Los Ángeles hosted the #IPW24 by the U.S. Travel Association, marking a significant milestone in the resurgence of international travel. With the attendance of 5,700 delegates, including 2,000 buyers and media representatives from nearly 70 countries, this year's event saw a notable 20% increase in participation compared to 2023.

The bustling week was filled with nearly 100,000 business appointments, projecting over $5.5 billion in future travel revenue to the United States. Such a strong commitment underscores the immense potential for growth in international inbound tourism.

Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, emphasized the increased global competition in the travel industry and urged the United States to innovate and dismantle barriers to stay ahead. He stressed the importance of the nation aspiring to be the top destination for visitors in terms of arrivals, spending, and overall experience. Achieving this goal, Freeman underscored, requires sustained government attention and proactive measures.

The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, a key player in this effort, presented viable strategies during the event for government adoption. Their aim is to enhance competitiveness, remove barriers to visits, and propel the United States to become the most visited nation in the world.

During #IPW24, Commission members, including Senator Jerry Moran, collaborated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at LAX airport to explore cutting-edge technologies that improve efficiency and the experience of international passengers. Commission co-chair Kevin McAleenan and member Patricia Cogswell shared insights from their field visits across the country, highlighting innovative strategies to enhance security, modernization, and travel efficiency.

The message resonated clearly: the government holds the key to making travel safer and more efficient, thereby positioning the United States as a competitive destination for international travelers and fostering industry growth.

Despite challenges, there is cautious optimism that government leaders are answering the call to action. The U.S. Travel Association thanked Commission members, Senator Moran, and the hosts of #IPW24, Visit California and the Los Angeles Convention and Tourism Board, for their unwavering support and warm hospitality.