Hundreds of travel advisors and industry professionals shared their personal stories with lawmakers in an effort to spark important change on Capitol Hill during the American Society of Travel Advisors' (ASTA) annual Legislative Day event this week.
Representing a slew of business models across dozens of states, in addition to suppliers, 2026 attendees met with members of Congress in Washington, DC to push for several policy improvements.
With Legislative Day 2025 taking place just six months earlier, ASTA members were well-versed on the issues, with this week's two-day event providing not only invaluable insights into the current state of the industry but comprehensive training on how to meet with and get their asks across to their elected officials.
What began more than a decade ago with some 20 advisors taking to Capitol Hill has become a premier ASTA event and golden advocacy opportunity for this burgeoning industry.
"With more than 200 travel professionals here and nearly 200 meetings scheduled, our industry is speaking with clarity and strength," said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby.
"You can tell that we are finally making headway with the staffers and representatives, as they know who we are when we walk in the door," added Jenn Lee, President and CMO, Vacation Planners and Travel Planners International.
'Travel Advisors Are More Important Than Ever'
As is tradition, this year's event kicked off with ASTA's Travel Industry Forecast, featuring insights and panel conversations with a plethora of leading experts. Previously held across town at the National Press Club, the session was held at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf at L'Enfant Plaza, so that there would be fewer attendance restrictions.
A training session during 2026 ASTA Legislative Day in Washington, DC. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
"In a world that's getting more complex, travel advisors are more important than ever," Robert O'Leary, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism within the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, told the conference. "You're the professionals who help cut through that complexity. You provide clarity, confidence and expertise that no app or website will ever fully replace."
"As the growth of the travel industry shows, your role is not diminishing. Your role is growing," he added.
O'Leary highlighted four ways in which the U.S. is working to boost travel, including dramatically cutting down on visa wait times.
"Visa wait times are now under 60 days in more than 72 countries, down from over a year in some high-demand markets not very long ago. This is a historic accomplishment and a major win for our industry," he said.
"Last year, the Trump administration secured $12.5 billion for the modernization of the air traffic control system. It's a huge win for the travel industry," said O'Leary, pointing to massive investments in infrastructure.
Other important factors highlighted include improving the overall travel experience through biometrics, TSA PreCheck and other programs, in addition to strengthening coordination and collaboration with government agencies.
"Legislative Day is especially powerful because it pairs our policy priorities with the broader business outlook for travel. The Travel Industry Forecast is part of that story," said Jessica Klement, ASTA Vice President of Advocacy. "It helps frame the environment our members are operating in and showcases why it is so important for lawmakers to hear directly from travel advisors about the issues affecting their businesses and their clients."
'Some of You Had Your Best Year on Record'
The forecast session also included insights from Beth Butzlaff, General Manager of the U.S. market for Virtuoso, and panels on corporate travel and the all-important advisor-supplier relationship.
"We had a great year last year. Some of you had your best year on record," said Butzlaff. "We saw a little bit of a downturn from December to March, but we're still growing at a really nice rate."
"Experiences continue to outpace products as consumers shift from possession to emotions," she said, pointing to what's been a growing trend since the COVID pandemic.
A corporate travel panel during the Travel Industry Forecast at 2026 ASTA Legislative Day. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
Meanwhile, panelists reiterated the benefits of working together toward shared success. "NDC has stalled. Partnering is key," said Peter Vlitas, EVP Partner Relations, Internova Travel Group.
Monday's presentations also educated attendees on the key talking points as well as the do's and don'ts for meeting with lawmakers, in addition to an insightful panel featuring three experienced congressional staffers and a motivational appearance by TV personality Carson Kressley.
Tuesday saw attendees, including representatives from major suppliers, flock to Capitol Hill to meet with politicians from their respective states.
"Travel advisors should know that the travel partners who participate are truly dedicated to their success," said Lee. "They not only sponsor, but they passionately share the story of how their business would not be the success it is without the travel advisor community."
Securing Support for the Flight Refund Fairness Act
Airline ticket refund responsibilities continue to threaten many travel advisors' small businesses in the wake of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) final rules issued in 2024, which require the credit card "merchant of record" to refund the passenger within seven days if their flight is canceled or significantly disrupted.
In some cases, the advisor or agency is on the hook to refund the money even when they aren't in possession of the funds, which have already been passed on to the airline.
Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Dina Titus (D-NV) and Mark Alford (R-MO) recently reintroduced the Flight Refund Fairness Act, which would require airlines to refund the ticket agent within seven days and then give the agent another seven days to refund their client.
ASTA members on Capitol Hill pushed for cosponsorship of the bill and sponsorship of companion legislation in the Senate.
Congressional staff panel at 2026 ASTA Legislative Day. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
Getting the ACPAC Modernization Act to the Finish Line
ASTA members earned an important victory when the ACPAC Modernization Act passed the House last month. This legislation seeks to appoint a ticket agent to DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC), giving advisors a vital seat at the table in shaping policies that affect them and their clients.
The four-member committee currently consists of one representative each from a U.S. airline, consumer group, airport and state or local government. In ASTA's view, this would add an important perspective and voice to a committee that was referenced more than 90 times in DOT's final rule on airline ancillary fees and almost 40 times in the airline ticket refund rule.
Stabilizing the IC Model Through the Modern Worker Empowerment Act
The final legislative priority for 2026 was the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which seeks clarity on the classification standards for an independent contractor (IC). ASTA notes that a travel advisor can be deemed an IC by the IRS but considered an employee by the Department of Labor based on the current language.
This is a big deal because roughly two-thirds of travel advisors are ICs, many of whom are parents or military spouses who prefer the model for the flexibility it provides. By harmonizing the current system into a single federal standard, ASTA hopes to reduce litigation risk for its members.
The US Capitol building in Washington, DC. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
"There's a need for more, more advisors, more ICs, more staff to help process all of this production that's coming through the door," said Butzlaff.
The bill was advanced by the House Education and Workforce Committee last summer. ASTA Legislative Day attendees who met with lawmakers on Tuesday sought cosponsorship from members of Congress in both the House and Senate.
Sharing Stories That Matter
ASTA Legislative Day is not just about moving the needle on important legislation, however. The networking opportunity offers another chance for advisors to share their stories with key industry players.
Lee said she's noticed travel partners sending a "variety of representatives" over the years.
"What I love about this is you can tell that they gain a deeper learning about what it’s like to be a travel advisor," she said. "They hear the stories and feel a stronger connection to the community. This, to me, is just as important as talking with our legislators."
Looking ahead to next year, travel professionals can mark their calendars for June 15-16, 2027, when ASTA members and partners will return to Washington, DC, for another ambitious and productive Legislative Day event.
"Travel advisors are on the front lines of this industry every day. They understand what travelers need, where the market is heading and what policy changes would make a meaningful difference," said Kerby. "Legislative Day tells the story grounded in data, real-world experience and the voices of the professionals who keep people traveling."
Added O'Leary: "Travel advisors collectively represent $160 billion in contribution to the national travel economy and 80 percent of all travel sold through the agency distribution channel. You are a constituency that deserves to be heard and ASTA is doing the hard work to make sure you are."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
