The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) recently recognized Senator Jeff Flake's (R-AZ) contributions to the industry, presenting him with the organization's Champion in Travel Award during its seventh annual Congressional Caucus in Washington, D.C. this week.
Flake has advocated for relaxing U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba, denounced President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban and supported the Visa Waiver Program.
"Senator Flake's unwavering commitment to issues related to our industry over the years has been a driving force in bringing the travel and tourism industry to its current state as a huge economic driver of our nation," said USTOA Chairman and vice president of Development at EF Education First, Dana Santucci, in a statement.
"It is with great honor that we award Senator Jeff Flake with the USTOA Champion in Travel Award, making him the second recipient of this award in the association's 45-year history."
More than 50 active and associate USTOA members participated in this year's Congressional Caucus, which took place Monday and Tuesday in the nation's capital and featured speakers such as Flake, Isabel Hill, Director, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries from the U.S. State Department of Commerce and Donald Leadbetter, Tourism Product Manager for the National Park Service.
Members met with as many as 30 representatives and their offices from Congress to promote several key issues, including the Visa Waiver Program, increased funding for the National Park Service, travel to Cuba, Brand USA, Open Borders policy, travel taxes and infrastructure.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
