February 11, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the trade association promoting and protecting the travel tech industry, sent a letter of opposition to members of the Virginia General Assembly concerning House Bill 900. The legislation would have expanded the Commonwealth’s retail sales and use tax to include travel services.

“Taxing travel services separately risks increasing costs for Virginia travelers and businesses without clear evidence of additional economic activity,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO at Travel Tech. “The bill would also create uncertainty about how these new taxes would interact with Virginia’s existing accommodations tax framework. The result could be the same transaction being taxed more than once.”

Travel Tech submitted its letter to the bill’s sponsor, Delegate Richard C. Sullivan, Jr., proposing a narrow technical amendment to clarify that business-to-business commissions and facilitation fees connected to already-taxed travel transactions should not be treated as separate taxable services.

Following Travel Tech’s engagement, the Virginia House Finance Subcommittee voted to carry over House Bill 900 to the 2027 legislative session, delaying further consideration this year and providing stakeholders additional time to engage with lawmakers and shape the bill before it returns next session.

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

The legislation was recently considered by the Virginia State Senate.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 — Last week, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the trade association promoting and protecting the travel tech industry, shared its perspective on Virginia Senate Bill 615 and its potential effects on the travel marketplace. The organization said it opposed the bill since it would limit common pricing practices that help travelers access discounts, expand choice, and support competition in Virginia’s travel and tourism economy.

“As written, SB 615 would have banned the use of location- and app-based pricing technologies, tools that make travel more affordable and accessible,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO at Travel Tech. “They are transparent incentives designed to manage perishable travel and hospitality inventory, allowing travel service providers to compete for travelers’ business. They are not individualized pricing based on sensitive personal data.”

“We are pleased that the SB 615 has been held over until next year’s session and look forward to working with Virginia and other state policymakers who are considering consumer pricing legislation,” said Chadwick. Nearly 20 states have already introduced proposals this year that would restrict or even ban the use of algorithms and AI in pricing when consumer search information is involved.

“Protecting consumers’ data is important, and we support thoughtful policies that target real risks,” added Chadwick. “But SB 615 swept too broadly and risked harming the very travelers it aims to protect by limiting competition and affordability.”

Tuesday, January 13, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the non-profit trade association representing leaders and innovators across the travel technology industry, is pleased to welcome three new companies to its Start-Up Membership Program: Alo Index, Chirrup, and Vibe Adventures.

These early-stage companies are developing technology-driven solutions designed to make travel planning and experiences smarter, more engaging, and more efficient for both travelers and industry partners.

Through the Start-Up Membership Program, Alo Index, Chirrup, and Vibe Adventures will gain access to tailored benefits that support founders at the earliest stages of growth — including curated networking opportunities, educational programming, introductions to angel investors, and complimentary participation in the Travel Tech Accelerator Program led by Matt Zito.

“Start-ups are helping shape the next chapter of the travel industry — from the tools travelers use to plan their trips to the platforms powering suppliers behind the scenes,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “We’re proud to welcome Alo Index, Chirrup, and Vibe Adventures into our growing community and to support them as they build and scale.”

The addition of these three companies reflects the continued momentum of Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program and reinforces the organization’s commitment to connecting emerging founders with resources, mentorship, and industry insight.

Monday, January 5, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will host its next Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar on Wednesday, February 11, from 11:00am–12:00pm ET.

This virtual event will bring together early-stage travel technology founders and angel investors to spotlight innovation and spark meaningful connections. During the program, founders will pitch their companies directly to investors and participate in a live Q&A and feedback session designed to help them refine their strategy and strengthen their business growth plans.

Presenting start-ups include: Chirrup, HousMthr, Lake.com, and Vibe Adventures.
All four companies are members of Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program, which provides entrepreneurs with dedicated support and growth resources — including complimentary access to Matt Zito’s Travel Startups Incubator 4-Week Acceleration Program, virtual and in-person networking events, insights from industry leaders, and more.

“Early-stage founders play an essential role in pushing our industry forward,” said Laura Chadwick, Travel Tech’s President & CEO. “We’re thrilled to provide a platform here at Travel Tech where they can share their vision, gain investor insights, and continue growing within a collaborative and supportive travel tech network.”

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is a non-profit membership organization that promotes and protects the travel technology industry. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, travel management companies, short-term rental platforms, and the latest generation of travel technology start-ups.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Thursday, December 18, 2025 – The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced two bipartisan bills supported by The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) that would modernize aviation consumer policy and strengthen the stability of the aviation system overall.

The first is the ACPAC Modernization Act (H.R. 5663). This bill would finally give ticket agents a formal seat on the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC). Today, ticket agents such as Online Travel Agencies, Global Distribution Systems, metasearch platforms, and Travel Management Companies, handle nearly 40 percent of airline ticket sales and are often the first point of contact for travelers dealing with refunds, fees, and flight disruptions. Travel Tech worked closely with lawmakers, including the sponsors Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), to make the case that DOT needs a ticket agent perspective at the table, while also mobilizing member support through a Travel Tech Action Alert encouraging outreach to Congress. Adding a ticket agent to ACPAC would give Travel Tech members a direct opportunity to share operational expertise and help inform consumer protection policies based on how airline tickets are sold and serviced today.

The Committee also advanced the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086), which is designed to keep the aviation system running during a government shutdown. The bill allows the FAA to continue its most important work and ensures air traffic controllers and other essential staff continue to get paid. This helps avoid flight delays, cancellations, and confusion for travelers. Travel Tech supported the bill alongside other major aviation groups and was thanked by name in the House T&I Committee’s official press release highlighting support for H.R. 6086.

Both bills passed the Committee with bipartisan support. Travel Tech appreciates the Committee’s leadership and is proud to have played a constructive role in advancing practical, common-sense solutions that protect travelers and strengthen the aviation system. Travel Tech looks forward to continuing its work with Congress and industry partners to advance both bills.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Monday, October 27, 2025 – The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is moderating its third annual Soapbox Industry Debate Session at the upcoming Phocuswright Conference held from November 18 – 20, 2025, in San Diego, California.

Travel Tech CEO Laura Chadwick will moderate a session on “Unifying Travel’s Digital Future,” unpacking the U.S. Department of Commerce’s efforts that are currently underway to develop its newest National Travel and Tourism Strategy, which is set to be released in 2027. Travel Tech is urging the department to address digital challenges in its next edition. The inclusion of digital challenges, like AI and fragmentation in the travel and tourism industry, would be a first for the department.

During the highly interactive session at the Phocuswright Conference, attendees will receive an overview of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy and the Trump Administration’s AI Action Plan. After, attendees will break into small groups to share their thoughts on digital fragmentation issues in the travel and tourism industry and potential solutions.

Interested in attending?

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, sent a letter to Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure expressing support for H.R. 5556, the Flight Refund Fairness Act, following the reintroduction of the bill by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) last month.

Travel Tech’s letter highlights how this bill would close a loophole in the current DOT Refund rule by aligning airline-to-agent reimbursement obligations with consumer refund deadlines and requiring ticket agents to complete refunds within seven days of receiving funds from airlines.

By closing this loophole, the bill ensures ticket agents aren’t placed in the financially precarious position of having to cover airline refunds without first receiving the consumers’ money from the airlines themselves.

“We thank Rep. Salazar and her bipartisan co-sponsors for introducing the Flight Refund Fairness Act,” said Brandon Palumbo, Travel Tech’s Director of Policy & Government Relations. “This bill restores accountability by aligning airline reimbursement timelines with those required of ticket agents, ensuring agents are reimbursed on a predictable schedule and refunds are processed efficiently and transparently.”

Read the Full Letter

Travel Tech has issued an “Action Alert” encouraging its members and industry stakeholders to contact their Representatives to support H.R. 5556, the Flight Refund Fairness Act, through its Policy Action Center.

Take Action Now

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, sent a letter to Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rick Larsen of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, urging Congress to pass H.R.5663, the ACPAC Modernization Act.

The letter highlights that the absence of ticket agents from the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC) limits the committee’s ability to provide DOT with the full range of expertise necessary to address today’s pressing consumer protection issues.

As it currently stands under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012, ACPAC’s membership includes representation from an air carrier, an airport operator, a state or local government official, and a consumer advocate.

“Travel Tech thanks Rep. Dina Titus and Rep. Gus Bilirakis for introducing legislation that modernizes the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee by adding ticket agents — a group long excluded despite their key role in the booking and refund process,” said Brandon Palumbo, Travel Tech’s Director of Policy & Government Relations. “Through their daily interactions with travelers and airlines, our members offer a grounded perspective on how consumer protections operate in practice. Bringing their insight into DOT’s consumer advisory process ensures more informed, practical, and balanced recommendations.”

Read the Full Letter

Travel Tech has issued an “Action Alert” encouraging its members and industry stakeholders to contact their Representatives to support the ACPAC Modernization Act through its Policy Action Center.

Take Action Now

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, announced its support for S.1218, the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation, led by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would provide critical federal funding to enhance transportation systems in cities set to host global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the Paralympic Games.

Host cities—including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle—are poised to see a significant surge in travelers. This legislation will help the host cities mitigate congestion, improve coordination, and ensure visitors and residents alike can move safely and efficiently between stadiums, hotels, and local businesses.

Take Action Now

“Travel Tech thanks Senators Moran and Cantwell for their leadership and encourages the Senate Commerce Committee to advance S.1218,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “Preparing U.S. cities to host high-profile international events is both a logistical necessity and a strategic opportunity to enhance America’s competitiveness in the global travel and tourism economy.”

Travel Tech members – online travel agencies (OTAs), metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), Travel Management Companies, and early-stage travel technology start-ups – drive local tourism economies by connecting travelers from across the country and around the world to a wide range of lodging options, tour guides, activities, and restaurants, along with air travel and car rental choices.

Read Travel Tech’s full letter to Congress

Learn more about Travel Tech’s policy priorities and take action to support travelers and mega sports event host cities by visiting Travel Tech’s Policy Action Center.

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To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Event highlighted Travel Tech Advocate Member Start-Ups

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 — Yesterday, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted its first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar, bringing together pre-seed and seed-level travel tech start-ups with five angel investors.

The hour-long event was limited to pitches by Travel Tech Advocate Member Start-Ups only and provided them an exciting opportunity to gain visibility, investor feedback, and potential funding. Each had five minutes to pitch their companies followed by three minutes to respond to investors’ questions and feedback.

Want to pitch next time?

Join Travel Tech as an Advocate Member!

Travel Tech Advocate Start-Up Members Greg Dunn with WalknTours, Teresa Guastella with RoomRite, Branda Fan with Nowy, Tristan Sommer-Enriquez with BaggageTAXI: and Melanie Brewer with Away Together, presented on the webinar.

“Thank you to our Advocate Start-Up members and angel investors who took part in our successful first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel Tech is proud to promote the newest generation of travel tech innovators and offer additional benefits to help them succeed.”

At the end of the webinar, attendees were asked to select their preferred start-up pitch. RoomRite was rated as the strongest market potential and scalability, and most innovative solution to a real travel challenge, and WalknTours was rated as the most personally compelling pitch.

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To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Travel Tech Holds First Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar

Travel Tech Testifies on Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Legislation

April 08, 2026

Urges Balanced Approach Travel Tech President and CEO Laura Chadwick testified before the Pennsylvania House Committee on Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development on House Bill 2303, legislation addressing compliance requirements for short-term rentals. In her testimony, Chadwick highlighted the importance of maintaining consumer choice in lodging and preserving the economic benefits that short-term rental platforms […]