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.”
Earlier this month, Travel Tech issued a letter of support for the reintroduction of the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 (S. 314), the Senate companion bill to this legislation. Travel Tech also strongly supported S.2498, the Hotels Fees Transparency Act of 2024, which was removed at the last minute, along with other commerce-related bills, from the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress at the end of last year.
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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, 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.
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.
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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.
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.”
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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, 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:
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:
Priority Three:
Urge the adoption of policies that empower travel tech startups to innovate, compete, and thrive in the A.I. marketplace.
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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, 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.
Read Travel Tech’s full letter of support:
January 15, 2025
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.
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.
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 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.
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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, 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.
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 […]
