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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, announced its support for S.1218, theTransportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation, led by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would provide critical federal funding to enhance transportation systems in cities set to host global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, and the Paralympic Games.
Host cities—including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle—are poised to see a significant surge in travelers. This legislation will help the host cities mitigate congestion, improve coordination, and ensure visitors and residents alike can move safely and efficiently between stadiums, hotels, and local businesses.
“Travel Tech thanks Senators Moran and Cantwell for their leadership and encourages the Senate Commerce Committee to advance S.1218,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “Preparing U.S. cities to host high-profile international events is both a logistical necessity and a strategic opportunity to enhance America’s competitiveness in the global travel and tourism economy.”
Travel Tech members – online travel agencies (OTAs), metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), Travel Management Companies, and early-stage travel technology start-ups – drive local tourism economies by connecting travelers from across the country and around the world to a wide range of lodging options, tour guides, activities, and restaurants, along with air travel and car rental choices.
Learn more about Travel Tech’s policy priorities and take action to support travelers and mega sports event host cities by visiting Travel Tech’s Policy Action Center.
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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.
Event highlighted Travel Tech Advocate Member Start-Ups
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 — Yesterday, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted its first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar, bringing together pre-seed and seed-level travel tech start-ups with five angel investors.
The hour-long event was limited to pitches by Travel Tech Advocate Member Start-Ups only and provided them an exciting opportunity to gain visibility, investor feedback, and potential funding. Each had five minutes to pitch their companies followed by three minutes to respond to investors’ questions and feedback.
Travel Tech Advocate Start-Up Members Greg Dunn with WalknTours, Teresa Guastella with RoomRite, Branda Fan with Nowy, Tristan Sommer-Enriquez with BaggageTAXI: and Melanie Brewer with Away Together, presented on the webinar.
“Thank you to our Advocate Start-Up members and angel investors who took part in our successful first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel Tech is proud to promote the newest generation of travel tech innovators and offer additional benefits to help them succeed.”
At the end of the webinar, attendees were asked to select their preferred start-up pitch. RoomRite was rated as the strongest market potential and scalability, and most innovative solution to a real travel challenge, and WalknTours was rated as the most personally compelling pitch.
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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.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 — In just over a year, cities across the United States will welcome millions of fans, athletes, and tourists for one of the world’s largest sporting events—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the excitement builds, travel technology is set to play a critical role in shaping how visitors experience this global celebration—from booking flights and finding places to stay, to navigating cities and discovering local attractions.
At Travel Tech’s second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase, CEO Laura Chadwick hosted a timely conversation on this very topic. The panel, titled “From Stadium to Stay: Building a Better Travel Experience to Support Mega Sports Events,” brought together industry leaders to explore how travel technology is helping cities prepare for the World Cup and enhance the overall travel experience.
Panelists included:
Meg Kane, CEO, Philadelphia World Cup Host Committee
Becky Foley, Vice President and Head of Trust & Safety, Tripadvisor
Nathan Rotman, Director of Policy Strategy, Airbnb
The discussion highlighted how platforms like Airbnb and Tripadvisor will assist fans and consumers, host cities, and local communities in supporting the massive influx of travelers expected in 2026. From providing a wide array of lodging options to protecting consumers and promoting local experiences, panelists emphasized the vital role of travel tech in managing large-scale tourism.
Meg Kane discussed how Philadelphia is preparing to welcome global visitors, with a focus on safety, transportation, and accessibility. She described the event as “the ultimate American road trip,” noting that fans will want to travel between host cities—and travel tech will be key to making that seamless.
Nathan Rotman shared that “host cities are planning ahead to ensure there’s enough accommodation supply — that means working with short-term rental platforms, hoteliers, and other travel providers to create a great experience for guests.”
Becky Foley added that platforms like Tripadvisor don’t just connect travelers to experiences—they also play a critical role in consumer protection. She explained how Tripadvisor ensures the accuracy of listings and reviews, helping to combat fraud and build trust between travelers and businesses.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the travel tech industry will continue to be a powerful partner in delivering a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience for visitors—and a lasting economic impact for host cities.
Sign up for Travel Tech’s Passport newsletter and stay in the know about news and public policy impacting the travel tech industry. Delivered every Wednesday, Passport keeps industry leaders up-to-date on current and emerging issues and advocacy efforts.
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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, May 21, 2025 –Travel tech entrepreneur Matt Zito, Managing Partner at TSi, and venture fund investor Cara Whitehill, Vice President, Thayer Ventures shared the key qualities they look for in start-up leaders at Travel Tech’s recent Start-Up Summit.
Whether you’re launching your MVP or navigating your first raise, don’t miss out on their valuable insights, like “Trust Comes First,” “Misconception: It’s All About Revenue” and more!
Fill out the form below for exclusive access to these Top 7 Tips from Matt and Cara that you won’t want to miss:
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.
Thursday, May 8, 2025 — Yesterday, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) 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 kicked off with Travel Tech’s inaugural Start-Up Summit. Attendees heard from various experts. Wright Ricketts, Legislative Director for Rep. David Kustoff (TN-08) discussed H.R. 1199, the Small Business Investment Act of 2025 and how it will help attract more investment in start-ups. Matthew Stevens, Deputy Associate Administrator of the Small Business Administration’s Office of Investment and Innovation highlighted the many resources the agency offers through its local partners and programs. Matt Zito, Managing Partner at TSi, Cara Whitehill, Vice President at Thayer Investment Partners, and Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp shared strategies for scaling startups, with a focus on maximizing angel investment and preparing for venture capital.
That evening, more than 150 people joined Travel Tech and its members for the second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase, including Members of Congress and their staff.
“The Travel Tech Association was founded in 1999 to support the original innovators in travel technology—many of whom are now household names,” said Laura Chadwick. “We were proud to bring together both these pioneers and the newest generation of innovators in D.C. to highlight the intersection of travel, technology, and policy.”
Travel Tech CEO Laura Chadwick moderated a conversation on sports tourism and the role of travel technology platforms in enhancing fans’ travel experiences. The panel included Meg Kane, CEO of the Philadelphia World Cup Host Committee; Becky Foley, Vice President and Head of Trust & Safety at Tripadvisor; and Nathan Rotman, Director, North American Policy Strategy at Airbnb.
Brandon Palumbo, Travel Tech’s Director of Policy and Government Relations, led a discussion on how public policy can address startups’ needs, joined by Cara Whitehill (Thayer Investment Partners), Tomasz Pawliszyn (AirHelp), and Branda Fan (Nowy).
Later in the evening, Travel Tech, joined by Chase Travel Group, presented Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) for their leadership in championing innovation in the travel industry.
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 Leaders and Start-ups Convene in Washington, DC for the Travel Technology Association’s Start-Up Summit and Innovation Showcase
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, […]
