U.S. Travel Association and GREAT USA Coalition Convene Congressional Symposium on Sports, Travel and America’s Global Competitiveness

WASHINGTON (June 24, 2026)—The U.S. Travel Association, in partnership with the GREAT USA Coalition and the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, will convene the GREAT USA Sports & Travel Congressional Symposium on June 24, 2026. This bipartisan symposium brings together stakeholders from the sports, travel, hospitality, entertainment and business communities, as well as policy leaders from across Capitol Hill and the federal government. 

“The 2026 World Cup is showing exactly what we’ve been saying for years: America wants visitors,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Across the country, Americans are welcoming visitors into their communities, sharing their culture and giving the world a firsthand look at who we are. Those experiences are generating goodwill, reshaping perceptions of the United States and demonstrating the value of international travel at a time when America is losing ground globally. This moment is proving Americans will show up when the world comes to us. The challenge now is creating more opportunities for them to do so.”

Over the next decade, the United States will host a series of major global events, including the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, and the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City. These events are expected to draw millions of international visitors into the U.S., generating hundreds of billions of dollars in economic impact while also placing unprecedented demands on U.S. travel systems. 

“The U.S. has entered an unprecedented decade of global sporting and cultural events, creating a tremendous opportunity to drive economic growth and strengthen our position as a leading travel destination,” said Stewart Verdery, Executive Director of the GREAT USA Coalition. “This timely forum brings together policymakers, federal agencies and industry stakeholders to spearhead the challenges and opportunities that come with hosting major global events and ensure America continues to be a premier destination for international visitors.” 

The event will take place on Capitol Hill and feature a series of panel discussions focused on travel facilitation, transportation and infrastructure readiness, visa policy and international access, security considerations and the long-term economic benefits of major global events.

U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related data.