Latest news with #USTOA
Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
USTOA brings member delegates to the capitol
NEW YORK – The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) escorted a group of more than 50 Active Member tour operators and Associate Members to Washington, D.C., June 3-4, 2025, to advocate for tourism industry issues impacting the industry, from passport and visa processing to adequate funding of Brand USA and the National Park Service , among other urgent topics. 'In the 13th year of the USTOA Congressional Caucus, our advocacy efforts felt more important than ever,' said USTOA President & CEO Terry Dale . 'The Congressional Caucus is a vitally critical forum to engage directly with lawmakers on topics that will ensure the continued success and resilience of our industry and lead us toward a more responsible tourism future.' The morning of June 4 was packed with informative presentations on the 'state of the industry' from a number of industry representatives, including Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA; Jennifer Aguinaga, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism and Director, National Travel and Tourism Office; and Emily Douce, Deputy Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association. Guest speakers included Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the Presidential Task Force for 2026 FIFA World Cup, who spoke about initiatives to improve visa wait times and approval as the US is set to host this international event, and US Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who provided insights into the top issues facing Congress. A small team of USTOA members met at the office of Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). In the afternoon, nine teams of USTOA members visited the Capitol for meetings with leading members of Congress to discuss the core issues. Promoting U.S. tourism abroad with continued funding of Brand USA, urging Congress to fund the administration's Air Traffic Control modernization plan, the impact of tariffs on international and outbound U.S. travel, supporting National Park Service funding and sufficient staffing, encouraging improvement in passport application processing delays, and urging expedited visa processing and backlog reduction are among the topics discussed. Additional conversation included the INVEST in our Communities Act which aims to boost much-needed tourism and economic development in light of the recent drop off in Canadian travel to the US; supporting the DOT-Aviation Consumer Protection; and supporting travel infrastructure including the backing expansion of TSA Pre-check and Global Entry as well as phased enforcement and flexibility for REAL ID until full compliance on May 7, 2027. Dale continued, 'USTOA remains committed to being an advocate for responsible tourism, and these meetings proved to be a highly effective platform to communicate that message to key lawmakers. We have learned that our collective voice does matter and can make a difference. The participation of our members and the members of Congress who took the time to engage in discussions on the issues that matter most to our industry is deeply appreciated.' The Caucus kicked off with an opening night reception and dinner at the Colombian Ambassador 's residence, hosted by Daniel Ávila Camacho, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Colombia to the United States. Special guest Charlie Sykes, regular contributor to MSNBC and former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, addressed the group about the importance to stay engaged in politics, among other timely topics.
Travel Weekly
14-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
American Classic Tours joins USTOA
American Classic Tours, specializing in North America and Europe, has joined the U.S. Tour Operators Association. The USTOA now has 52 active members representing 145 brands. The move will enable the tour operator to build strong relationships with travel advisors, said JD Conroy, director of marketing. American Classic Tours was founded in 1988 with an emphasis on the "art of travel," the company said. The Illinois-based tour operator designs its itineraries with a focus on transformative experiences, sparking curiosity and encouraging connection, the brand said. "American Classic Tours is known for delivering seamless, all-inclusive journeys built on expertly crafted itineraries and decades of experience," said Terry Dale, USTOA president and CEO. "Their trusted reputation and commitment to taking care of every detail make them a welcome addition to our diverse membership of tour operators." The tour operator offers national parks tours in the U.S., a peek into the Chicago Cubs spring training in Arizona and an itinerary built for Broadway fans. The European side of the business offers nine itineraries, including Ireland, England & Scotland, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland by train.
Travel Daily News
08-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility 4.0 Summit in Valencia
USTOA's 2025 SIR Summit in Valencia united global travel leaders to explore practical, collaborative solutions for sustainable tourism development. NEW YORK – The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) held its annual Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit from April 27 – 30 in Valencia, Spain. This landmark event brought together member representatives from various travel sectors including tour operators, destination marketing organizations, hotel companies, and technology start-ups, as well as other travel providers for three days of cross-sector collaboration, knowledge sharing, and forward-thinking dialogue surrounding sustainable tourism. The 2025 SIR Summit was hosted in partnership with the Region of Valencia Tourism Board and Turespaña. USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale emphasized that this year's summit placed members at the center, spotlighting actionable insights and global best practices. 'The summit was designed to support our community's sustainability goals by offering practical solutions to help our members advance their own journey,' added Dale. 'Our members' passion is what drives the SIR platform forward, and we remain committed to meeting that momentum with fresh focus areas and meaningful outcomes.' He also thanked the Region of Valencia Tourism Board for their generous hospitality and dedication to showcasing the region's sustainability efforts. Marián Cano, Regional Minister for Tourism of the Valencia Region added, 'It has been an honor and an opportunity to host the Sir 4.0 Sustainability Summit in Valencia. It has been great to share with USTOA attendees during these few days both the possibilities our destination has to offer as well as our concerns and initiatives in favor of a more sustainable tourism.' In Valencia, the SIR Summit began with morning sessions where attendees were welcomed with opening remarks before diving into conversations centered on the theme 'Connecting People and Places.' Discussions explored what destinations need most and how tourism can rise to meet those needs in meaningful, lasting ways. Afternoon sessions shifted focus to psychological safety and citizen engagement, followed by a look at how tourism can act as a catalyst for societal wellbeing. In the evening, participants gathered at the Las Arenas Resort for pre-dinner drinks and an institutional briefing on the region's sustainability initiatives covering port operations, beach preservation, and cruise management – while sampling traditional Valencian beverages. The following day, attendees gathered at Albufera Natural Park for hands-on sessions focused on environmental action. The morning explored circularity and barriers to zero waste, while the afternoon's 'Sustainable Solutions Hackathon' tackled tourism's toughest climate and equity challenges. Attendees also participated in a boat ride through the rice fields of Albufera Natural Park, offering a closer look at the region's natural ecosystems. In addition to a range of insightful sessions, the SIR summit also included forums for discussion and idea sharing on a variety of topics including the impacts of climate change on local communities and tourism, the need for curated and responsible travel experiences, and the vital role of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable progress. Conversations also addressed the realities of failure and how to learn from them, and strategies for managing overtourism through deeper collaboration with destinations. 'Having been able to host SIR 4.0 in Spain shows that our traditional urban destinations, like Valencia, can lead the way in sustainability. It highlights our country's strong commitment to responsible and high-quality tourism,' said Magi Castelltort, Consul for Tourism Affairs, Turespaña. Activities throughout the week included the City of Valencia Sustainability Walking Tour, with stops at key sites such as Plaza Ayuntamiento, Central Market, Plaza de la Reina, and the historic Water Court at Plaza de la Virgen. Additional highlights included a guided walking tour of the City of Arts and Sciences, a traditional horchata tasting, and a visit to Bodega Casa Montaña, one of Valencia's oldest restaurants, where participants learned how sustainable practices are being upheld by new generations. SIR 4.0 attendees making a quick stop at the Torres de Serranos on a sustainability walking tour of Valencia, Spain. During the USTOA summit, Dale officially announced that the 2026 SIR Summit will be hosted in Jordan, saying, 'Every destination we visit has something to teach us and Jordan is poised to offer a fresh set of perspectives and insights shaped by the realities, challenges, approaches, and innovations of its own sustainability journey.' 'Jordan is honored to be named the host destination for the 2026 SIR Summit,' said Malia Asfour, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America. 'Our country's commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation – from preserving ancient cultural heritage and protecting fragile ecosystems, to empowering local communities through meaningful travel experiences. We look forward to welcoming the global travel community to Jordan and sharing how tourism is helping shape a more inclusive, resilient, and responsible future.'
