Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — Last week, the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade convened, “Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel and Tourism,” a hearing exploring how the U.S. could capitalize on travel and tourism as key economic drivers. Members also looked to examine various perspectives surrounding Daylight Saving Time.
Ahead of the hearing, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech)—a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry—submitted a written testimony. In line with comments from committee members, Travel Tech’s testimony outlined the nonprofit’s “strong support” for Brand USA and called for the restoration of its funding.
“Travel Tech and its members strongly support Brand USA and its critical role in promoting the United States as a destination, drawing international visitors whose spending supports jobs and local businesses nationwide,” the testimony outlined. “Its federal match was reduced from up to $100 million annually to just $20 million as part of broader federal spending cuts.”
Notably, Travel Tech took the opportunity to outline its perspective on several key policy issues relevant to the subcommittee, including the Hotel Fees Transparency Act and the inclusion of key pro-innovation provisions of H.R. 1 in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Travel Tech also highlighted efforts to support legislation that will help host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the endorsement of S.1218, the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2025, to prepare for the influx of visitors during those sporting events.
“As the country prepares for the 2026 World Cup and continues to strengthen its position in the global travel economy, technology platforms will play a central role in supporting consumers, local businesses, and the broader tourism sector,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “We look forward to working with the Subcommittee as it examines policies that shape the future of travel, tourism, and innovation.”
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.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, recently welcomed three new start-ups to its Start-Up Membership Program: CleverFi, HousMthr and Lake.com.
These start-ups are part of the newest generation of travel innovators creating products and services to enhance and streamline the travel experience, both for consumers and travel service suppliers.
As members of Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program, CleverFi, HousMthr and Lake.com will gain access to benefits geared towards early-stage start-up companies in the travel industry. Notably, this includes access to exclusive events with industry experts and angel investors, community events with other start-up founders and innovators, and a four-week Travel Tech Accelerator Program led by Matt Zito, Managing Director at TSi.
“At Travel Tech, we remain committed to supporting start-up founders to help them network and launch their companies,” Laura Chadwick said. “As our community of travel tech innovators continues to grow, we are excited to welcome start-ups like CleverFi, HousMthr and Lake.com as they shape the future of travel.”
The recent member additions come on the heels of a happy hour Travel Tech hosted during the Phocuswright Conference in San Diego. At the happy hour, attendees had the opportunity to connect and network in person with Travel Tech and start-ups in the area.
Learn more about joining Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program here.
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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.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — Last week, Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released a statement following the introduction of H.R. 6128, the VISIT USA Act, legislation that would authorize a one-time transfer of $160 million from the Travel Promotion Fund to Brand USA:
“Travel Tech is pleased to see legislation provide funding to Brand USA, a key tool that helps strengthen America’s global travel competitiveness at no cost to taxpayers. Brand USA plays a vital role in keeping the U.S. a premier travel destination and ensuring our nation benefits from the economic power of international visitation, especially as we prepare to host major global events like the FIFA World Cup, America250, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Thank you, Rep. Gus Bilirakis and Rep. Kathy Castor, for your leadership.”
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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.
Travel Tech spoke with leading experts to understand what stablecoins are, how they can help the travel industry mitigate cross-border payment risks, and what impact the GENIUS Act will have on the use of stablecoins.
With the recent passage of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act) into law, the United States has taken a major step toward establishing clear federal standards for stablecoin adoption. The new law opens the door for industries to explore how this technology can simplify payments and strengthen financial transparency.
The travel industry—defined by high transaction volumes, cross-border payments, and a complex network of suppliers—is emerging as one of the most promising sectors for stablecoin adoption. In their 2024 paper, Stablecoins: New Perspectives for Travel and Tourism, published in Annals of Tourism Research, Dr. Viktor Manahov and Dr. Mingnan Li explore how stablecoins can streamline payments, mitigate exchange-rate risks, and strengthen trust across the global travel ecosystem. “Travel involves millions of international transactions every day—between airlines, hotels, intermediaries, and travelers,” they explain. “Stablecoins can simplify these payments, reduce exchange-rate costs, and bring greater transparency and trust to the process.”
Stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to fiat assets like the U.S. dollar—offer faster, lower-cost, and more reliable transactions across borders. They also align with evolving consumer preferences. Gen Z and Millennial travelers, in particular, are more comfortable using digital assets and value seamless, tech-forward experiences when booking and paying for travel.
To learn more about stablecoins and the impact of the GENIUS Act, Travel Tech President and CEO Laura Chadwick sat down with Jessica Martinez, Senior Director of Government Relations at the Blockchain Association, for the latest episode of the Passport Podcast.
“Stablecoins could be a place to revolutionize and disrupt how travel has been done,” Martinez stated. “It helps both businesses and consumers save money, can be used right at our fingertips to make payments instantaneously and across borders, which is a huge positive since we live in a global economy now and going beyond the borders is important.”
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.
Friday, October 31, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is hosting a happy hour in San Diego, California for start-up founders, investors, and innovators in the travel technology industry. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Rusted Root in the Gaslamp District.
This in-person event will offer travel tech founders an opportunity to connect and network in-person and meet Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. Travel Tech will cover the tab for beer and wine beverages.
At the event, information about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program for early-stage companies will be on hand. Program benefits include: quarterly opportunities to pitch angel investors, free access to industry expert/former founder Matt Zito’s four-week Travel Tech acceleration program (an $800 value) and other industry experts, connections with travel tech innovators, public policy updates, and others. Learn more here.
Guests are invited to meet fellow founders and innovators, discover the latest updates from Travel Tech, and get to know the team members.
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Organization supports event waivers ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Thursday, October 30th — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) today announced its support for efforts to expand access to a wide variety of lodging options in U.S. cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other major events. Travel Tech will actively encourage policymakers to adopt event waivers to allow short-term rentals to operate during these periods of high demand.
“Travel is a force for good—it benefits travelers, strengthens communities, and fuels local economies,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “Event waivers for World Cup will allow host cities to better accommodate a surge in global visitors, expand consumer lodging choices, and strengthen local economies during this once-in-a-generation event.”
“Temporarily reducing fees and making it easier for people to host visitors during major events is a proven, practical strategy to make sure communities are ready to welcome the world,” said Clark Stevens, Director of Stakeholder Initiative & Operations at Airbnb. “We encourage communities across the country to take the necessary steps now so these exemptions can be successfully implemented in time for the FIFA World Cup—because cities can’t afford to turn away tens of thousands of fans and millions in visitor spending.”
According to Travel Tech’s recent consumer research, 97% of consumers recognize that having a diverse mix of lodging options strengthens regional economies. By staying in neighborhoods beyond traditional tourist districts, visitors spend more at local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, helping small businesses thrive. Event-driven flexibility ensures that residents, property owners, and communities can share in those benefits—creating new income streams and keeping more tourism dollars in local hands.
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 15, 2025 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted the second edition of its Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar.
During the hour-long virtual event, Travel Tech Start-Up Members pitched their companies’ new innovative services to angel investors, answered their questions, and received real-time feedback.
“Since its founding over 25 years ago, Travel Tech has been a proud supporter of travel tech innovators and start-ups as they shape the newest generation of travel,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel tech start-ups need access to investors who understand the travel market and the need for new innovative solutions to solve industry problems. We’re proud to serve as the convener between our Start-Up members and funders.”
At the end of the webinar, attendees were asked to select their preferred start-up pitch. CleverFi was rated as the strongest market potential and scalability, and most innovative solution to a real travel challenge, and Nowy was rated as the most personally compelling pitch.
Click here to learn more about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program and its benefits like the quarterly Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinars, free access to Matt Zito’s four-week travel tech start-up accelerator program, and more.
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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 1, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry, called on policymakers to address online competition concerns following the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights hearing titled “Examining Competition in America’s Skies” held on Tuesday.
The hearing addressed structural airline competition issues and included testimony from Gregory Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Allegiant, Barry Biffle, Chief Executive Officer of Frontier Airlines and other witnesses.
“While the Senate hearing examined offline competition challenges—such as gate access and fortress hubs—policymakers must also confront online competition issues,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Our member companies ensure transparency and consumer choice by enabling travelers to compare fares, schedules, and services across airlines. But legacy carriers place restrictions on these comparisons, threatening competition and limiting options for consumers.”
Online travel platforms play a vital role in maintaining a competitive air travel marketplace. By offering side-by-side comparisons of fares, schedules, and amenities, Travel Tech members empower travelers to make informed decisions and ensure that airlines compete on price and service. However, restrictions from dominant carriers on how information is presented online undermine these benefits, reduce competitive pressure, and ultimately harm consumer choice.
As part of its ongoing educational efforts, Travel Tech released a new white paper, “The Role of Online Travel Platforms in Supporting Low-Cost Travel and How Legacy Carriers Threaten Competition and Consumer Choice,” ahead of Tuesday’s hearing. The paper details how online travel platforms play a vital role in enabling ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) to effectively compete with dominant legacy carriers—helping travelers discover lower fares, à la carte options, and new routes to smaller or underserved regions.
“ULCCs rely on online travel platforms to compete effectively. Protecting these platforms is essential to keeping the airline market competitive,” said Chadwick.
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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is hosting its second Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar on Wednesday, October 15.
Following the success of Travel Tech’s first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar in July, this virtual event will bring together early-stage travel technology founders and angel investors to spotlight innovation and spark connections. During the event, founders will have the opportunity to pitch their start-ups directly to industry investors, as well as participate in a live Q&A and feedback session.
The start-ups slated to present include: Away Together, Nowy, and TripTrix. These companies are part of Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program, where they have access to several resources and tools aimed at helping them grow their companies, such as free access to Matt Zito’s Travel Startups Incubator 4-Week Acceleration Program, virtual and in-person networking events, exclusive access to insights from industry experts and more.
“At Travel Tech, we understand the impact start-ups can have on our industry and are excited to help them bring their innovative ideas to light,” said Laura Chadwick, Travel Tech’s President and CEO. “Building on our inaugural Start-Up Summit and Investor Connect Webinar earlier this year, we are excited to continue supporting the newest generation of innovators in travel technology.”
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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit that promotes and protects the travel technology industry, announced the addition of three new start-ups to its Start-Up Membership Program: Away Together, BaggageTAXI and TripTrix.
Away Together, BaggageTaxi and TripTrix are part of the newest generation of travel innovators creating products and services to enhance and streamline the travel experience, both for consumers and travel service suppliers.
“Start-ups like Away Together, BaggageTAXI and TripTrix are prime examples of how innovative new ideas can shape the future of travel,” stated Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “We are excited to welcome these companies into our Start-Up membership program and look forward to working with them as they scale and grow their businesses.”
As members of Travel Tech’s Start-Up program, Away Together, BaggageTaxi and TripTrix gain access to resources and benefits geared towards pre-seed and seed-level companies including, monthly membership meetings where they can connect with fellow founders, mentors, and industry experts, free access to the “Travel Startups Incubator 4-Week Acceleration Program” developed by Matt Zito of TSi, the opportunity to attend additional online and in-person Travel Tech’s events, and more.
Learn more about Away Together, BaggageTAXI, TripTrix and other Travel Tech innovators here.
Interested in joining Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program?
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.
Travel Tech Welcomes Three New Start-Ups to Its Membership
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 — Last week, the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade convened, “Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel and Tourism,” a hearing exploring how the U.S. could capitalize on travel and tourism as key economic drivers. Members also looked to examine various perspectives surrounding Daylight Saving Time. Ahead […]
