With the countdown on for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, the U.S. travel industry is stepping up efforts to overhaul visa processing and airport infrastructure. The American travel sector is betting big that these “mega-sporting events” will spark a surge in inbound visitors and drive significant economic gains — if the system can handle the pressure.

The America’s Sports & Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC), backed by the U.S. Travel Association, has been launched as a cross-industry alliance combining sports, travel, business and government stakeholders. Its mission: ensure the United States is ready to host more than 30 million additional international visitors and secure as much as US $100 billion in economic impact over the coming four years.

Visa challenges and airport bottlenecks

One of the most urgent focuses of ASTMEC is the overhaul of the U.S. visa system. Long wait times, backlog issues and a complex entry process threaten to undermine visitor flows. The coalition is pressing for “visa modernization and entry system reform” in parallel with infrastructure upgrades. 

Simultaneously, airports are under scrutiny. Aging terminals and outdated security checkpoints may struggle under the expected increase in passenger volumes. Officials warn that the U.S. travel ecosystem — including screening and customs — must be modernized to avoid becoming the weak link in the visitor experience.

Strategy for a legacy beyond the events

ASTMEC aims not just to prepare for two marquee sports events, but to leave behind a sustained improvement in America’s global travel competitiveness. “Hosting these events will bring global attention and millions of visitors to our cities — but momentum isn’t enough. Success demands strategy, unity and investment,” said Geoff Freeman, President & CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. 

The coalition’s roadmap includes working closely with the White House, Congress, state and local governments. Targets range from deploying next-generation security technologies, upgrading airports, shortening visa-interview wait times, and bolstering staffing at consular and customs offices. 

Implications for tourism stakeholders

For destinations, tour operators, airlines and hospitality firms, the window is now. The operational readiness of U.S. travel infrastructure will be under global scrutiny. A failure to deliver could not only impact the success of the World Cup and Olympics, but erode the United States’ status as a top global destination.

Industry players are watching closely. The coalition’s efforts signal that the private sector views visa reform and airport modernization as not just event-driven priorities, but foundational for long-term tourism growth.