Wednesday, February 19, 2025 —Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted a webinar for congressional staff members on how generative AI travel tools can improve the travel planning experience.
Panelists included Lara Tennyson, Head of US Federal Affairs at Bookings Holdings; Carroll Rheem, Founder and CEO of Iolite Group and member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board; and Mayank Makkar, Founder of Rivi. The discussion was moderated by Travel Tech President and CEO Laura Chadwick.
The panelists discussed how various AI travel tools can be used to personalize destination recommendations and streamline the planning and booking process. The panelists also presented research on the use of generative AI in travel planning and activities, highlighting that a majority of consumers use AI for a variety of travel related activities: comparing and choosing destinations, researching flights, exploring short-term rental options, and more.
“We spend so much money and our precious time off, we want to make sure we’re going to have the best vacation possible,” said Carroll Rheem of Iolite Group. “AI can provide a great amount of comfort, especially knowing how much data and information it can pour through on your behalf to alleviate some of that feeling like shopping for travel can be a chore.”
The webinar also highlighted data from Travel Tech’s recent partnership with Capitol CNCT to explore the travel habits of congressional staff. The survey found that two-thirds of congressional staff take at least half of their paid time-off, and despite growing interest in AI, only 12.5% of congressional staff currently use AI tools to plan their vacations.
“Looking at some of the different Gen AI tools, one of the key benefits is time efficiency,” said Lara Tennyson of Booking Holdings on the benefits of using AI with travel. “You can use that AI chat planner to help you figure out where you’d like to travel and when you’d like to travel, and hopefully save yourself time and some of the work that you would have put in before having to go to various websites.”
“I believe AI is one of those technologies that will be integrated into almost every touch point in travel or any other industry,” said Mayank Makkar, Founder of Rivi. “So I feel for the next few years, you’re going to see that almost everything that we do, and not just in travel planning, but actually during the trip, going to an airport, or whatever touch points that we have in our overall travel journey, we’ll have AI making things simpler.”
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is a non-profit empowering traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, and 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.
Monday, February 10, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, submitted comments on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) regarding airline passenger rights and the role of ticket agents.
Travel Tech’s comments underscore the Association’s commitment to ensuring consumer protection measures align with the operational realities of the air travel industry. The submission addresses key questions raised in the ANPRM, particularly regarding the scope of ticket agents’ responsibilities – whether their current role in processing refunds should be expanded to include compensation, rebooking, and passenger notifications, and whether such changes would create unnecessary burdens and confusion for travelers.
“Travel Tech welcomes the Department of Transportation’s focus on consumer protection and its consideration of regulatory approaches to ensure that passengers are treated fairly in cases of controllable flight delays or cancellations,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “However, our comments make it clear that while ticket agents are essential for facilitating bookings and refunds, the responsibility for compensation, rebooking, and timely notifications during delays or cancellations must remain with the airline carriers.”
Additionally, Travel Tech’s comments emphasize the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between administrative functions and operational responsibilities. The Association notes that while ticket agents are well-equipped to process refunds, only airlines possess the real-time data and operational control necessary to accurately assess and manage flight disruptions.
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.
Friday, February 7, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative emphasizing the impacts of Global Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) on travel technology companies and the travel industry at large.
Travel Tech’s letter urges the Trump Administration to leverage all available tools to counteract DSTs, which unfairly target travel tech companies utilizing “digital interfaces” such as online travel agencies (OTAs), short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems (GDSs), and travel management companies. This letter follows an earlier letter sent by Travel Tech to the former U.S. Trade Representative in response to Canada implementing the DST last year.
“Our members are at the forefront of digital innovation in travel, connecting consumers with travel service suppliers,” stated Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “The unequal impact of DSTs on travel marketplaces threatens to undermine transparency and distort competition in the travel industry, ultimately harming consumers.”
In its letter, Travel Tech highlights how DSTs disproportionately impact travel technology companies by taxing revenue rather than net income, disregarding differences in business models and cost structures. Travel Tech members typically operate on slim profit margins, facilitating transactions between service providers and consumers, as well as service provider-to-service provider or B2B transactions – without retaining the majority of revenue. This tax model risks pushing many companies from profitability into loss, undermining their ability to compete globally.
Travel Tech also highlights the risk of double taxation, where multiple jurisdictions impose taxes on the same revenue streams, creating confusion and inefficiency. Furthermore, the introduction of DSTs requires new tools and metrics to track and calculate taxes based on user location – information that may not be easily accessible for B2B travel technology providers and may conflict with existing data protection standards. This not only burdens the companies themselves but also trickles down to consumers, who face higher costs for travel services as companies attempt to absorb these taxes.
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, February 5, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, submitted a letter of support following the reintroduction of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 (S.314 (119th)) by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). S.314 was previously known as S.2498 in the 118th Congress, which ended in December 2024. Today, S.314 was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee.
“Travel Tech thanks Senators Klobuchar and Moran for their continued leadership in advancing price transparency for lodging by reintroducing the Hotel Fees Transparency Act,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “This legislation is still very much needed. It will establish a single definition for “total service price” across the country, reducing confusion for consumers shopping for lodging across state lines.”
Travel Tech previously strongly supported S.2498, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act. The bill was removed at the last minute from the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress at the end of last year. S.314, like S.2498, also ensures consumers will see accurate total service pricing no matter where they shop for lodging, either directly on hotel websites or through online travel comparison tools and services.
Additionally, Travel Tech applauds the Senate Commerce Committee for advancing Howard Lutnick’s nomination for Secretary of Commerce. Travel Tech looks forward to working with him to promote the U.S. travel and tourism economy following his confirmation by the full Senate.
Read Travel Tech’s full letter of support for S.314, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025.
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.
January 30, 2025 – Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released the following statement in support of Michael Kratsios’ nomination to be the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy:
“Travel Tech joined with other tech leaders and organizations on a letter urging the Senate to confirm Michael Kratsios as director of the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy.”
“Throughout his career, Michael Kratsios has championed innovation, fostered emerging technologies, and advanced policies that empower start-ups and entrepreneurs. His leadership in AI technologies and other critical sectors has helped build a regulatory environment where innovation thrives.”
“We urge the Senate to swiftly confirm his nomination and look forward to working together to promote innovation and ensure a fair and dynamic marketplace in the travel technology ecosystem.”
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, January 22, 2025 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (“Travel Tech”) announced its pro-innovation public policy priorities to support the growth and success of travel tech start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). As the travel technology industry’s voice in Washington, DC, Travel Tech will advocate for the passage of legislation that allows travel tech start-ups and SMBs to retain more of their earnings, have greater access to capital, and compete in the A.I. marketplace.
Laura Chadwick, Travel Tech’s president & CEO, stated, “With the inauguration of President Trump earlier this week and the start of a new Congress, Travel Tech is well-positioned to deliver public policy results that directly help the newest generation of travel tech innovators thrive.”
Travel Tech has recently announced an expansion of its Advocate membership benefits focused on start-ups and SMBs. It now provides access to practical business advice programming and opportunities to build community with other leaders and get involved with the association’s advocacy efforts, and more. Next week, Travel Tech’s monthly Advocate Member Meet-Up will feature Matt Zito, Managing Partner at TSi for programming on the “Top New Year Resolutions for Travel Tech Start-Ups.” Travel tech companies are invited to participate in this meeting for free: Register Here.
Travel Tech’s Pro-Innovation Public Policy Priorities to Support Travel Tech Start-Ups and SMBs
Priority One:
Support an extension of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions that allow travel tech start-ups and SMBs to retain more of their earnings, which can then be reinvested into companies’ expansion, product development, hiring, or other key initiatives.
In 2025, President Trump and congressional leaders plan to use the reconciliation process to extend many parts of the TCJA. Travel Tech supports the following provisions:
Qualified Business Income Deduction: Allows pass-through entities to deduct up to 20% of taxable income.
Bonus Depreciation: Enables immediate expensing of capital investments, allowing startups to reinvest quickly.
R&D Expensing: Permits the immediate deductibility of R&D expenses, replacing current law requiring a 5-year amortization
Priority Two:
Advocate for legislation that expands travel tech innovators’ access to capital, simplifies federal programs, and protects key pathways for startup and SMB growth, such as:
Expanding Investor Access: Reduce barriers to funding and create new opportunities to secure essential resources for growth.
Federal Support: Simplify and modernize the federal grant and loan programs to make them more accessible to startups.
M&A Pathways: Protecting mergers and acquisitions as viable exit strategies is critical for fostering innovation and market competition.
Priority Three:
Urge the adoption of policies that empower travel tech startups to innovate, compete, and thrive in the A.I. marketplace.
One national standard: Avoid a patchwork of state laws regulating the use of A.I., which will only hinder.
Pro-Competition Policies: A.I. regulations must be balanced, mitigating risks while supporting innovation and fair competition.
Innovation Safeguards: Preserve IP frameworks and liability protections to foster A.I. R&D and reduce legal barriers.
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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.
Tuesday, January 7, 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, filed comments in response to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) joint request for information (RFI) on Competition in Air Transportation.
In its comments, Travel Tech details how the services its members and other intermediaries provide are essential to promoting airline price competition to benefit consumers. It also discusses current airline practices and policies about what pricing information can or cannot be conveyed to intermediaries, undermining price transparency. Travel Tech calls on the DOT and DOJ to address practices in the industry that result in a distorted marketplace.
“Ensuring transparency and competition in the travel industry is essential for empowering consumer choice and maintaining a fair marketplace,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel Tech encourages DOT and DOJ to maintain and enhance measures that support transparency across all sales channels to ensure consumers have access to full information about fare options and services.”
Travel Tech’s comments also address the impact of airline consolidation over the last two decades, which has resulted in far fewer airline choices in smaller cities. With no alternatives, the single airline is free to charge consumers more for the price of a ticket on a specific route while also negating the need for price comparison tools.
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.
December 18, 2024 – Today, Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released the following statement in response to the issuance of the Federal Trade Commission’s final Junk Fee rule and the inclusion of S.2498, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act in the Continuing Resolution to be passed by Congress by the end of the week:
“Travel Tech applauds both the Federal Trade Commission and Congress for advancing policies that set a national standard for price transparency for consumers seeking overnight stays. Consumers will now see an up-front and consistent total service price for lodging – including nightly room rate and mandatory fees – no matter where they live or how they shop for lodging options, either directly on hotel websites or through online travel comparison tools and services.”
“Travel Tech and its member companies worked tirelessly to educate policymakers about the complex and multilayered information flow from hotels to different types of intermediaries,” said Chadwick. “As a direct result of our advocacy, both the FTC rule and S.2498 include provisions that ensure accurate mandatory fee information is relayed to consumers through both direct and indirect channels.”
“We are grateful for Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in championing S.2498, along with Representatives Young Kim (R-CA-40) and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), who introduced H.R. 6543, the House companion bill. Travel Tech calls on Congress to finalize passage of the Continuing Resolution without delay.”
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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 4, 2024 – Today, Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association, released the following statement following the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Permanent Investigations hearing titled, “The Sky’s the Limit—New Revelations About Airline Fees.”
“Travel Tech thanks the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations for holding a hearing focused on ensuring transparency and fairness in airline fee ancillary fee practices. Transparent pricing is essential to empowering travelers with all the information they need to make informed choices.
“Travel Tech’s mission is to empower traveler choice by advocating for transparency and competition. These principles ensure that consumers benefit and travel service providers can thrive in a fair, open marketplace. We look forward to working with policymakers to address these important issues.”
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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.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 —The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry advocating for public policy that empowers consumer choice through marketplace transparency and competition, has hired Brandon Palumbo as its new Director of Policy and Government Relations. In this role, Palumbo will support the association’s work with the federal government.
Palumbo joins Travel Tech from Michael Best Strategies, where he worked on government relations, policy research and legislative affairs. Prior to his work at Michael Best Strategies, he served as a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) and previously for U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).
“I am pleased to welcome Brandon to the Travel Tech Association,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Brandon will bring a depth of experience, passion for policy expertise, and understanding of tech policy issues impacting traveler choice to the role.”
“I’m excited to join Travel Tech to support its mission of empowering traveler choice,” said Brandon Palumbo. “I’m looking forward to applying my eight years of experience on and off Capitol Hill to support both policymakers and Travel Tech’s members.”
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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.
Travel Technology Association Welcomes Brandon Palumbo as its New Director of Policy and Government Relations
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 […]
