The travel industry is celebrating several major victories following Congress’ approval of the broad legislative package known as the “Big Beautiful Bill”, but leaders warn that new fees for international visitors could undermine sector progress.
The U.S. Travel Association (U.S. Travel) praised several key elements of the bill, particularly provisions that invest in modernizing air traffic control systems, expand customs staffing, and boost security measures ahead of major global events hosted on U.S. soil.
“This legislation is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to improving America’s travel infrastructure and security. Bold, necessary investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection will make a meaningful difference in the traveler’s experience,” said U.S. Travel’s President and CEO Freeman. "The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America’s promotion arm, that much harder to swallow. Making America the world’s most visited destination—and capitalizing on the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics—requires smarter policy and legislative changes that we are already pursuing.”
Some Key Wins for the Travel Sector:
- Air Traffic Control Overhaul: A $12.5 billion investment will go toward modernizing the National Airspace System (NAS), including upgrades to air traffic control technology, infrastructure improvements and workforce training.
- Boosting Customs Staffing: To help reduce wait times and improve efficiency at entry points, $4.1 billion will be used to hire and train at least 5,000 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. An additional $2 billion is allocated for retention bonuses to address ongoing staffing shortages.
- Upgraded Border Technology: A $673 million investment will expand the biometric entry-exit system at U.S. ports of entry, enhancing border security and paving the way for future growth of the Visa Waiver Program.
- Event Security Readiness: With major global events on the horizon, the bill includes $625 million to support security and operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and $1 billion for safety and planning ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Despite the bill’s notable progress, Freeman stressed the urgent need for Congress to reinstate full federal funding for Brand USA, the country's official tourism marketing agency. Recent budget cuts slashed the federal match from as much as $100 million annually down to just $20 million. President Trump’s proposed FY26 budget includes a request to fully restore that funding, and Freeman urged lawmakers to follow through, highlighting its importance for promoting the U.S. ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary and other major international events during Trump’s term.
Freeman also voiced concern over the bill’s sharp hikes in non-immigrant visa fees. The legislation introduces a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee for visitor visa applicants and increases the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program from $21 to $40.
“Failing to fully fund Brand USA is a missed opportunity—especially as the administration seeks to maximize a historic slate of global events on American soil,” said Freeman. “Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices. As Congress begins work on FY26 appropriations, it must fully fund Brand USA and ensure visitor fees are lowered, if not eliminated, wherever possible.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Travel Association published a report detailing key reforms needed to bring the nation’s travel infrastructure up to date. Many of those suggested investments and policy changes made their way into the final budget reconciliation bill.
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