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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
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 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 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?
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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.
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.
Friday, August 29, 2025 — At this month’s Advocate Member Meet-Up, Propellic Founder & CEO Brennen Bliss shared practical advice for start-ups on how to use digital tools to attract customers, earn bookings and grow their businesses.
Bliss, whose company Propellic has supported more than 60 travel brands with customer acquisition strategies, shared tips like, “Use Social Media for Inspiration, Not Conversion,” “Diversify Marketing Channels Early,” and more.
Fill out the form below for exclusive access to these Top 7 Tips from Brennen that you won’t want to miss:
Fill out the form below for exclusive access to key takeaways from Brennen Bliss:
Interested in more resources like this, including free-access to Matt Zito’s 4-Week Acceleration Program for travel start-ups, and joining our growing community of travel tech start-ups? Join Travel Tech Today
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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, August 27, 2025 — At this month’s Advocate Member Meet-Up, Propellic Founder & CEO Brennen Bliss shared practical advice for start-ups on how to use digital tools to attract customers, earn bookings and grow their businesses.
Bliss, whose company Propellic has supported more than 60 travel brands with customer acquisition strategies, noted that while big players like Booking.com and Expedia have marketing machines in place, start-ups often struggle to convert awareness into bookings. That’s where having the right framework makes all the difference.
He encouraged founders to focus less on vanity metrics such as impressions and likes and more on what matters most: converting social engagement into bookings. For early-stage companies, this means carefully tracking results, identifying the right target audiences and ensuring no single marketing channel accounts for too much of their growth.
“Start-ups need to be especially cautious about over-reliance on one source of traffic,” Bliss explained. “When a channel changes overnight, it can put the whole business at risk.”
Social media is a powerful tool for start-ups to inspire travelers and build early trust, but it rarely delivers immediate bookings alone. To succeed, companies must pair organic content with retargeting campaigns and search ads, where most conversions actually happen.
“Organic social is an inspiration engine, but without a way to capture and convert travelers later, start-ups risk inspiring bookings for someone else,” Bliss said.
Looking ahead, he advised founders to keep a close eye on artificial intelligence, which is beginning to reshape the “messy middle” of travel planning. For start-ups, this means rethinking content strategies and staying nimble as traveler behavior shifts.
Travel Tech’s monthly Advocate Member Meet-Ups connect start-up founders with experienced leaders like Brennan Bliss to share lessons learned, uncover roadblocks and accelerate growth.
Learn more about Travel Tech’s Advocate Member Program to gain access to additional practical insights.
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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, 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, the Transportation 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.
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 […]
