Mikala Sheats, Author at Travel Tech Association

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will honor Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R, FL-12) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award at its second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill on May 7th.

“We’re proud to recognize Senator Klobuchar and Rep. Bilirakis for their leadership in advancing public policies that promote transparency, competition, and innovation in the travel and tourism industry,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Their work has helped modernize the travel experience for consumers and drive the travel tech industry forward.”

Senator Klobuchar is a long-standing and tireless advocate for the travel and tourism industry. As co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, she has led bipartisan efforts to support and revitalize the sector. In 2021, Senator Klobuchar and fellow senators urged the Commerce Department to develop strategies for the industry’s recovery following the pandemic. Her work contributed to the release of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2022. More recently, Senator Klobuchar has led efforts to pass S. 314, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, to protect consumers from surprise mandatory fees and improve the travel experience.

Congressman Gus Bilirakis is a dedicated supporter of the travel and tourism industry and a leader on pro-innovation technology policy. As co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, he has worked to promote tourism both domestically and internationally. As the Subcommittee Chair for the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, Congressman Bilirakis continues to demonstrate thoughtful leadership on policy issues at the intersection of the tech and travel industries.

In addition to honoring Senator Klobuchar and Congressman Bilirakis with the Innovation Leadership Award, Travel Tech’s second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase will feature two panel discussions on the role of travel technology platforms in facilitating sports tourism and the unique challenges facing travel tech start-ups.

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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Monday, April 28, 2025 — Today, Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released a statement on the passage of H.R.1479, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 in the House.

“Travel Tech applauds the House for passing H.R. 1479, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, which will require consumers to be shown the total price up-front for hotel rooms and other places of short-term lodging, inclusive of the nightly rate and all mandatory fees. This bill and its Senate companion, S.314, set one national standard on what constitutes a ‘total service price’ and how it must be displayed, giving consumers clarity regardless of where or how they book lodging accommodations.”

“We thank Reps. Young Kim (CA-40), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Russell Fry (SC-07), and Kevin Mullin (CA-15) for their leadership and support on this bipartisan, common-sense legislation.”

“Travel Tech has been a vocal advocate of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 and previously issued a letter of support for the reintroduction of S.314, the Senate companion bill to this legislation, which has since passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee. We strongly encourage the Senate to bring S.314 to a full floor vote and send this bill to the President’s desk for his signature.”

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will spotlight the newest generation of travel tech startups—from game-changing AI-powered trip planners to social travel platforms—at its second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on May 7th on Capitol Hill.

Attendees will hear from industry experts, interact with Travel Tech member companies, and learn about the Association’s work to make travel more transparent, competitive, and innovative for consumers. This year, Travel Tech is excited to feature numerous travel technology start-ups, including BLCK, Group Travel Odyssey, InterLnkd, Legaroo, Levee, Mobi, NaviSavi Inc., Nowy, Runway Health, Inc., SevenlyTravel, Solutionz Group LLC, SparrowBid, Tern, Travogram and Walkntours.

“Travel Tech is committed to championing innovation, and a key part of that mission is supporting the next generation of travel technology startups as they grow and scale,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “We’re proud to spotlight these trailblazers and provide a platform to share their groundbreaking work.”

The Showcase will also feature two panel discussions, including a panel on the unique challenges facing travel tech start-ups titled “Navigating the Unique Needs of Travel Tech Startups.” The panel will focus on the hurdles that start-ups face in scaling and growing their business, from accessing capital to navigating the complex tax and regulatory landscapes. Panelists include Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp; Branda Fan, Founder and CEO of Nowy; and Cara Whitehill, Vice President at Thayer Investment Partners, with Brandon Palumbo, Director of Policy and Government Relations of Travel Tech as moderator.

Panels will focus on public policies needed to support tourism and major sporting events and the newest generation of travel tech innovators

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, announced the panel discussions they will hold at their second annual Policy and Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, May 7^th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Cannon Caucus Room.

“We are excited to offer two panel discussions at Travel Tech’s Policy & Innovation Showcase this year. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon, we’ll discuss preparations for these events and how policymakers can support their success,” said Laura Chadwick, president & CEO. “Attendees will learn from our second panel about public policies needed to support travel tech start-ups.”

First Panel (5:10 to 5:30 pm):
“From Stadium to Stay: Building a Better Travel Experience to Support Mega Sports Events,” will examine the role of travel technology platforms in facilitating sports tourism, key lessons from prior global sporting events, the importance of having a variety of travel and lodging options and strategies to enhance visitor experiences while safeguarding consumers from fraud. Panelists include:

Second Panel (5:35 to 5:55 pm):
“Navigating the Unique Needs of Travel Tech Startups,” will focus on unique needs and challenges facing travel tech startups—from accessing capital to navigating the complex tax and regulatory landscapes. Panelists include:

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. 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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 — Today, Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released the following statement applauding the House Energy & Commerce Committee for advancing H.R.1479, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, out of committee.

“Travel Tech thanks the House Energy & Commerce Committee for advancing the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, which ensures hotels, short-term rentals, and other lodging providers disclose the full price of accommodations upfront. We applaud Reps. Young Kim, Kathy Castor, Russell Fry, and Kevin Mullin for their bipartisan leadership and support. Alongside its Senate companion, S.314, this bill sets a nationwide standard for transparent pricing. We look forward to working with Congressional leadership to advance this pro-consumer legislation to final passage.”

The Hotel Fees Transparency Act will establish a uniform definition of “total service price” nationwide, ensuring clear and consistent for travelers, no matter where they live or how they book their lodging.

Earlier this year, Travel Tech issued a letter supporting the reintroduction of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 (S.314), the Senate companion bill. Travel Tech strongly supports both measures and urges Congress to pass this critical legislation.

Additionally, Travel Tech applauds the Committee for advancing H.R. 617, American Music Tourism Act of 2025, which would boost local tourism by spotlighting America’s music destinations. Local economic benefits of travel and tourism relies on consumers having a wide variety of lodging and transportation options.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is excited to announce it will host the inaugural Start-Up Summit and second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

“These events provide an opportunity for Travel Tech to bring together industry leaders, start-ups, and policymakers, to highlight innovation in travel tech and public policies that benefit the industry,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association.

Travel Tech’s new Start-Up Summit welcomes select pre-seed and seed start-ups to Washington, DC for the opportunity to learn from and network with other travel technology entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The event will feature lighting pitches from travel technology start-ups, including Sevenly Travel, SparrowBid, and Walkntours and informational sessions with travel tech experts like Matt Zito, Managing Director at TSi, covering a range of topics, including strategies and tips on preparing for and maximizing angel investors and venture investments, seeking funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA), and how to advocate for public policies that support entrepreneurs. The Summit will take place from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on May 7, 2025.

Following the Start-Up Summit, Travel Tech will host its second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill. During this widely-attended event, attendees will hear from industry experts, interact with Travel Tech member companies, and learn about the Association’s work to make travel more transparent, competitive, and innovative for consumers. The showcase will feature two panel discussions, one on the power of sports tourism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics and another on how public policy can support travel tech innovation and growth. Travel Tech will also present Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award to select members of Congress. The Policy & Innovation Showcase will take place from 5 pm – 7 pm in the Cannon Caucus Room.

Sponsors of the events include Airbnb, Amadeus, Booking Holdings, Chase Travel Group, Sabre, Travelport, and Tripadvisor.

To learn more about the inaugural Start-Up Summit, please contact Bethany Reitsma, Senior Manager of Industry Relations, at breitsma@traveltech.org. To register for the second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase, please click here:

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. 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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Wednesday, March 11, 2025 — Yesterday, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in response to a request for comments included in President Trump’s Memorandum Defending American Companies and Innovators From Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties issued on February 21, 2025.

Travel Tech’s comments emphasize the discriminatory and non-reciprocal nature of DSTs imposed by certain foreign jurisdictions. Since DSTs are imposed on marketplace activity and not companies selling directly to customers, U.S.-headquartered travel comparison platforms are disproportionately affected by these taxes, which distort competition, hinder growth, and raise travelers’ costs.

“Travel Tech’s member companies connect millions of travelers with hundreds of thousands travel service providers across the globe. They support travel service providers in the sale of their quickly-expiring goods, such as hotel rooms or airline tickets on a particular day and time,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Yet Digital Services Taxes are only imposed on travel comparison platforms, not the travel service providers, even though they are selling the same exact goods. DSTs unfairly undermine the transparency and competition that Travel Tech members offer to travelers.”

The letter also highlights Travel Tech’s concerns about DSTs, including double taxation, compliance challenges, financial burden, lost revenue, and opportunities for American innovation.

These comments follow Travel Tech’s recent letter to the Trump Administration emphasizing the impacts of Global DSTs on travel technology companies, as well as another letter sent by Travel Tech to the former U.S. Trade Representative on Canada’s DST tax.

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. 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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Episodes will provide analysis and insights about public policy issues impacting the travel technology industry

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, launched its new “Passport Podcast.” Hosted by Travel Tech President and CEO Laura Chadwick and featuring an industry expert each month, the podcast will explore the top news stories at the intersection of travel, technology, and public policy. The Passport Podcast is a companion to Travel Tech’s weekly Passport Newsletter.

“I am pleased to announce the launch of Travel Tech’s new Passport Podcast. Every month, I’ll be joined by an industry expert to discuss how larger debates on tech policy and beyond could impact the travel tech industry,” said Chadwick. “Together, we will help our listeners understand what is happening in Washington, DC and state houses across the country and what it means for their companies.”

On the inaugural episode of the “Passport Podcast” released today, Laura Chadwick sits down with Brandon Palumbo, Travel Tech’s Director of Policy and Government Relations, to discuss the new Trump administration and its potential impact on the travel technology industry, focusing on AI regulation, airline competition, and antitrust enforcement. The first episode is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Carroll Rheem, Founder and CEO of Iolite group and former Director of Research at Phocuswright, will join Laura on the April 2025 episode of the “Passport Podcast.” Rheem will also share her recent research on consumer adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) for travel planning.

Want to stay up-to-date every week on current and emerging policy issues facing the travel tech industry? Subscribe to Travel Tech’s weekly Passport Newsletter at traveltech.org/subscribe.

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. 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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, announced its new Innovation Advisory Council. This group will advise the association on its efforts to support travel tech start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through its Advocate membership level and annual events.

The Innovation Advisory Council brings together leading travel tech industry experts and entrepreneurs who work regularly with travel tech start-ups and SMBs. The Council will provide guidance and input on how Travel Tech can meet the needs of travel tech start-ups and SMBs as they work to launch and scale their businesses. Their combined experience will be an invaluable resource to Travel Tech and its Advocate members.

Travel Tech’s Advocate membership program, centered around its three pillars of community, programming, and advocacy, empowers start-ups and small and medium sized travel tech companies with the expertise, resources, and network they need to thrive.

“I’m thrilled to work with Travel Tech’s Innovation Advisory Council members,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Their collective knowledge and expertise will supercharge Travel Tech’s efforts to support the next generation of travel innovators.”

Are you a travel tech start-up or small business? Click here to learn more and join Travel Tech’s Advocate membership program.

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. 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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Friday, February 21, 2025 — Today, Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released the following statement applauding the re-introduction of the House companion bill to S.314, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025.

“Travel Tech strongly supports the re-introduction of the Hotels Fees Transparency Act of 2025. This bill will require consumers to be shown the total price up-front for hotel rooms and other places of short-term lodging, including both the nightly rate and all mandatory fees.”

“Travel Tech applauds Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07), and Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) for their leadership on this bipartisan, common-sense legislation. This bill and its Senate Companion S.314 set one national standard on what constitutes a “total service price” and how it must be displayed giving consumers clarity regardless of where or how they book accommodations. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this pro-consumer legislation toward its final passage.”

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.

Travel Tech Leaders and Start-ups Convene in Washington, DC for the Travel Technology Association’s Start-Up Summit and Innovation Showcase

May 08, 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025 — Yesterday, the Travel Technology Association hosted its inaugural Start-Up Summit and second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase. The events brought together Travel Tech member companies, policymakers, early-stage start-ups, and experts to highlight the industry’s ongoing work to make the travel experience more transparent, competitive, and innovative for consumers. The day […]