May 29, 2024 — In recognition of its 25th anniversary, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) held its first-ever Policy & Innovation Showcase last week on Capitol Hill. Culminating in more than 200 attendees, the event provided an opportunity for policymakers, their staff, and members of the media to interact with Travel Tech member companies and learn about their work to make the travel experience more transparent, competitive, and innovative for consumers.
During the Showcase, Travel Tech member companies demonstrated how they are revolutionizing the travel industry by modernizing digital retail, using scalable technology, and embracing AI tools.
“For 25 years, Travel Tech members have consistently been at the forefront of travel innovation,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech, during her remarks. “They changed how travelers access information, compare options, and shop for travel. Travel Tech has supported our members in bringing greater transparency and choice to the travel marketplace, and we continue to advocate for public policies to empower traveler choice.”
This year, Travel Tech presented its first annual Innovation Leadership Award to two Congressional champions – Congressman Sam Graves (R, MO-6), Chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D, NV-1), Co-Chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus.
“We applaud Chairman Graves and Congresswoman Titus’s significant contributions and dedication to improving the travel experience, from research and booking to take-off and landing, and beyond,” Chadwick said.
We applaud their significant contributions and dedication to improving the travel experience, from research and booking to take-off and landing, and beyond.
Rep. Darren Soto (D, FL-9) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R, CA-48) were among the more than 200 Hill attendees who had the benefit of learning first-hand the impact of travel technology companies.
Showcase event sponsors and exhibitors included Sabre, Booking Holdings, Travelport, Chase Travel Group, Amadeus, Tripadvisor, Expedia Group, and Airbnb. Travel Tech advocate members were also in attendance as exhibitors, including AirHelp, DreamGuest, and Group Travel Odyssey. Phocuswright served as the event media partner.
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.
