The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) is a national, non-profit organization established with the mission to promote travel to and within the United States. Founded in 1967, USTA is the leading organization for the United States travel industry, representing the interests of both private industry and the public sector. USTA brings together thousands of members from all sectors of the industry, from airlines to hotels, Cruise lines to tour operators, Car Rental companies to attractions, and more.
The primary focus of USTA is to increase travel to the United States. The organization acknowledges the tremendous impact that international and domestic travel has on our nation's economy. Travel and tourism is part of the $2.3 trillion U.S. travel industry, and the USTA works to find innovative ways to promote this important economic engine.
According to the USTA, travel to and within the United States was responsible for:
• Creating 1.2 million jobs and adding $206 billion to the economy in 2017;
• Generating $75 billion in tax revenue;
• Generating $1.6 billion in labor income; and
• Generating $26 billion in exports.
The USTA works with the private sector and federal, state, and local governments to design and submit legislation and other measures that promote the interests of travel and tourism, as well as to petition for support of infrastructure and other projects that benefit the industry. USTA also engages in lobbying, public relations and marketing campaigns, as well as providing research and analytics to help guide the organization in promoting travel.
USTA, in cooperation with other organizations, also seeks to promote international travel, aiming to draw new visitors from abroad who can help stimulate domestic and international economies. The organization works to remove the barriers to international travel, including working to improve passport and visa applications processes and to identify ways to inform stakeholders about precautions necessary when crossing borders. The association also works to create strategic alliances with various foreign nations and organizations to develop opportunities for increased travel and tourism.
In addition to working to promote travel to the United States, USTA also works to supplement domestic travel. The group's initiatives include marketplace development services that facilitate collaboration between the communities and industry stakeholders, as well as providing information about industry trends to enable businesses to stay competitive. The organization produces programs, research, and guides that help destinations increase travel-related business and provide training and educational resources that help the industry increase its overall knowledge and expertise.
The US Travel Association is sincerely committed to helping U.S. travelers, travelers from abroad, and the travel industry as a whole. USTA works to create a strong, vibrant industry and a world-class destination that attracts travelers seeking unique experiences and contributes to our nation's economy.
