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.
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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 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.
Members of Travel Tech’s Innovation Advisory Council include:
Cara Whitehill, Vice President, Thayer Investment Partners
Kerri Zeil, Startup Advisor at Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN)
Matt Zito, Managing Partner, TSi
Miriam Moscovici, Vice President Partnerships & Research, BCD Travel
Roman Townsend, Managing Director, Belvera Partners
Steve Reynolds, Chief Strategy Officer, Emburse
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.
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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 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.”
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.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, welcomed three new start-ups to its recently expanded Advocate Membership program: Mobi, Snowflake, and Hightouch.
Mobi, Snowflake, and Hightouch are part of the newest generation of travel technology innovators. They harness the power of AI and other advanced technologies to support travel service providers and their customers.
“At Travel Tech, we are committed to supporting the newest generation of travel technology leaders,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “Our Advocate membership program provides start-ups and SMBs with the resources, connections, and advocacy they need to thrive. We’re thrilled to welcome Mobi, Snowflake, and Hightouch to our growing community and assist them as they shape the future of travel technology.”
Travel Tech’s expanded Advocate membership program offers direct and comprehensive support to the next generation of travel tech innovators. Benefits include monthly educational webinars led by travel tech industry experts, opportunities to network with and connect to other travel tech start-ups and SMBs, a subscription to Travel Tech’s monthly Innovation Policy Newsletter, and participation in Travel Tech events.
Interested in joining the growing Travel Tech community? Click here to learn more.
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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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
Zito will offer his unparalleled expertise and knowledge on Travel Tech’s Advocate Member Meet-Up, which is being offered this month for free to industry members
Join Matt Zito of TSi and the Travel Technology Association team next week at its monthly Advocate Member Meet-Up held online. All interested travel tech start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses are welcome to join this meeting for free. It will take place on Tuesday, January 28th, at 11:00 am ET/8:00 am PT.
Attendance at these monthly meet-ups is one of the many benefits that Travel Tech offers through its Advocate Membership program. Every month, Advocate members will learn practical business advice from travel tech industry leaders, have opportunities to discuss industry issues and build community with leaders like you and get information about public policies directly impacting travel tech start-ups and SMBs.
January Advocate Member Meet-Up Agenda
11:00 – 11:05 AM: Introductions
11:05 – 11:30: Matt Zito Presentation: Top 2025 New Year’s Resolutions for Travel Tech Start-Ups and SMBs
11:30 – 11:50: Community Discussion: We’ll Kickoff with Your Resolutions and See Where the Conversation Takes us!
11:50 AM – 12:00 PM: Public Policy Update
“I welcome all travel tech start-ups and SMBs to come to our January Advocate Member Meet-Up for free and check out the benefits we offer,” said Laura Chadwick, president & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “As a non-profit, we are dedicated to helping the travel technology industry members, small and large, thrive.”
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.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and advocate for public policy that promotes transparency, competition, and innovation, wrote a letter of support for the nomination of former Congressman Sean Duffy as the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Today, the U.S. Commerce Committee held a nomination hearing where Congressman Duffy testified and answered questions from committee members.
The Honorable Ted Cruz, Chair The Honorable Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell:
On behalf of the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), I am pleased to express our support for the confirmation of former Congressman Sean Duffy as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. His record of public service and work to foster economic growth and modernize regulatory frameworks reflect a commitment to principles vital to a thriving and innovative transportation ecosystem.
Travel Tech is the voice of the travel technology industry, advocating for public policy that promotes innovation, transparency, and competition in the travel marketplace and empowers traveler choice. We represent the leading innovators in travel technology, including Online Travel Agencies (“OTAs”) and metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, travel management companies (“TMCs”), and Global Distribution Systems (“GDSs”). Travel Tech’s members connect millions of travelers to air transportation through cutting-edge platforms and services that depend on a fair and adaptable regulatory environment.
Mr. Duffy’s experience navigating complex policy challenges, exemplified during his service in Congress, gives us confidence that he will prioritize these shared goals. His leadership on regulatory reform demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of balancing innovation with accountability, creating an environment where businesses can thrive and consumers are protected. As the travel technology sector and the broader technology industry tackle issues such as data privacy, AI integration, and support for competition, we look forward to collaborating with the Department to drive meaningful progress.
We are confident that Mr. Duffy’s leadership will bring a thoughtful and balanced approach to these challenges and opportunities. Travel Tech looks forward to working with the Department to advance policies that sustain competition and improve the travel experience for millions of consumers.
Sincerely,
Laura Chadwick President & CEO
cc: Members of the Senate Commerce Committee
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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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
As part of Travel Tech’s expanded Advocate membership program, Zito will offer practical business advice and resources to help travel tech start-ups succeed
Wednesday, January 8, 2024 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) announced a new partnership with Matt Zito, Managing Partner at TSi, to provide practical business advice and resources to travel tech start-ups through Travel Tech’s newly-expanded Advocate membership program. Travel Tech’s Advocate membership provides programming, community, and advocacy benefits to start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses.
Matt Zito, known as a “super-connector” in the travel industry, is a seasoned M&A broker, travel tech CEO coach, and startup advisor. With decades of experience as a founder, investor, and dealmaker, Matt will offer his unparalleled expertise and knowledge to Travel Tech Advocate members on the association’s monthly Advocate Member Community Calls and at Travel Tech’s inaugural Start-Up Summit on May 7th in Washington, DC. Additionally, Advocate members will receive free access to TSi’s four-week Travel Tech Start-Up Acceleration Program (a $800 value).
“I am excited to partner with Travel Tech on its expanded Advocate membership program,” said Matt Zito, Managing Partner at TSi. “Having built and supported travel startups, I look forward to providing Travel Tech’s Advocate members with the resources they need to succeed and scale their businesses.”
“Travel Tech is thrilled to collaborate with Matt Zito, a leader in the travel tech industry, to enhance our support for travel startups and SMBs. This partnership will provide essential tools and resources to our growing community of Advocate members, empowering them to succeed,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to fostering innovation and delivering unmatched support for the next generation of travel innovators.”
Learn more about Travel Tech’s Advocate Membership by registering for the first monthly Advocate Membership call.
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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
December 21, 2024 – Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released the following statement regarding the removal of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act (S.2498) along with other commerce-related bills from the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress late Friday night:
“Travel Tech is disappointed that Congress did not include the Hotel Fees Transparency Act in the final version of its Continuing Resolution, missing an opportunity to deliver meaningful consumer protections and provide consistency for both intermediaries and hotels navigating disparate state requirements.
“This bipartisan, carefully negotiated proposal is an important opportunity to establish a national standard for mandatory hotel fee transparency, ensuring consumers receive clear and upfront information about mandatory fees. Its exclusion delays meaningful progress for travelers and the broader travel industry.
“Preventing a government shutdown is essential, and we acknowledge Congress’s efforts in achieving that critical goal. However, the need for federal leadership on price transparency remains. Travel Tech will continue to advocate for this legislation in the new Congress.”
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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 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, December 11, 2024 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and advocate for public policy that promotes transparency, competition, and innovation, submitted a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) responding to certain claims included in Airlines for America’s (A4A) comments on the Family Seating Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Travel Tech’s letter emphasizes that ticket agents already perform essential roles in collecting and transmitting passenger information and existing industry processes are designed to meet these needs effectively.
“Ticket agents are committed to supporting families and providing airlines with the necessary information to facilitate seat assignments,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “A4A’s proposals overlook the effective processes already in place and would create redundant and unnecessary burdens on ticket agents.”
Travel Tech’s letter details how ticket agents provide passenger information required for compliance with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight Program and Customs and Border Control’s (CBP) Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) as well as IATA Resolution 830d.
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.
Travel Tech Submits Response Letter to U.S. DOT on Family Seating NPRM
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 […]
