As Travel Tech looks ahead into 2026, one of the most significant challenges facing the industry is the growing wave of state “price surveillance” legislation. These proposals would restrict or ban the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence in pricing when information about the consumer searching online is known. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 20 state bills have been introduced, with more undoubtedly on the way.
Restricting or banning the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence in pricing will have a major impact on how the travel industry utilizes dynamic pricing to price perishable travel services. The consequences of these new state laws would increase operational costs, constrain revenue management strategies, and make it difficult, if not impossible, to align pricing with real-time market conditions automatically. Instead of helping the market work better, these bills would lock in inefficiencies and push companies toward blunt, one-size-fits-all pricing.
As these proposals advance in statehouses, they also introduce growing legal and compliance uncertainty, particularly where broadly written bills create conflicting obligations across states. At Travel Tech, we are closely tracking these developments and helping industry members understand what these proposals mean in practice and how they intersect with existing pricing and consumer protection laws. Staying engaged early will be critical to managing risk and ensuring policymakers understand the real-world impact of these proposals before they create lasting harm to the travel ecosystem.
Please reach out to me if these bills are a concern for your company — I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how Travel Tech can help you stay informed and engaged as these proposals and others move forward.
Laura Chadwick
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.
Learn more about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program.
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.”
Learn more about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program and upcoming events. Register here to attend the upcoming webinar.
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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, 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.
Learn more at TravelTech.org.
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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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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?
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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 media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 — Last week, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted a networking event for 40 travel tech innovators and start-up founders in New York City.
Travel Tech partnered with Jenny Silber, the former director of Voyager HQ, for the event, providing attendees with the opportunity to meet each other and experts who have worked with start-ups and early-stage founders.
Attendees connected with Travel Tech’s President and CEO, Laura Chadwick, and Senior Manager of Industry Relations, Bethany Reitsma and learned about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program.
“For decades, Travel Tech has brought together travel tech innovators and experts to help create a community that makes the travel industry more competitive, transparent and innovative,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “It was inspiring to meet with so many travel tech start-ups and innovators as they are launching their companies.”
Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program is aimed at helping early-stage start-ups in the travel industry grow their businesses. Travel Tech’s Start-up program provides members free access to Matt Zito’s Travel Tech Accelerator Program, a community of travel tech founders and leaders, and opportunities to participate in exclusive events with travel tech experts and angel investors.
Learn more about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program and future events like this 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.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is teaming up with Jenny Silber, former director of Voyager HQ, to host a networking happy hour for travel tech start-up founders and other innovators on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in New York City.
This in-person event will offer travel tech founders an opportunity to connect and network in-person and meet Laura Chadwick, President & CEO and Bethany Reitsma, Senior Manager, Industry Relations from Travel Tech. The happy hour is being held near the Skift Global Forum and 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.
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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 media@traveltech.org.
As Travel Tech looks ahead into 2026, one of the most significant challenges facing the industry is the growing wave of state “price surveillance” legislation. These proposals would restrict or ban the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence in pricing when information about the consumer searching online is known. Since the beginning of the year, […]
