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Washington – One clear takeaway from the US Travel Association’s Future of Travel Conference: Sustainability and innovation are not just buzzwords, but central pillars of the industry’s growth in the coming years.
At an all-day event held at Washington, DC’s Union Station on September 20, leaders from some of America’s largest travel, transportation and technology companies joined public officials as travel reform is evolving to address changing consumer needs and environmental sustainability. Speakers explored the critical issues of travel mobility and traveler experience for the next decade, sustainability, frictionless and safe travel, emerging trends and emerging technologies.
The event opened with a discussion American Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman and MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle On innovative sustainability measures taken by the Las Vegas tourism industry, as well as short-term policies needed to lay the foundation for a more sustainable and strong future for the industry nationally.
While sustainable travel options such as electric vehicles are becoming more common in cities, expanding access to charging in all regions of the country is a priority for the association. Fireside chat with US Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes, Enterprise Holdings President and CEO Chrissy Taylor He emphasized the need for a comprehensive industry approach to ensure EV infrastructure is accessible to all Americans.
“We have to make sure there is infrastructure in the neighborhoods where people live.” said Taylor. “Payment and infrastructure should be fair for all, not just on the main corridors.”
Taylor said the enterprise’s rapid push to electrify its rental car fleet and introduce its customer base to EVs proves that electrification is the future of the rental car industry.
“Electric vehicles are here to stay.” he said. Brendan Jones, President of Blink ChargingIt is a leading company in the development of electric vehicle infrastructure.
Apart from vehicle electrification, automation was a major topic of discussion. Gil West, Cruise’s Chief Operating Officershared an incredible video of the company’s vehicle autonomously picking up passengers on the streets of San Francisco.
“It’s a wonderful moment in time to watch the birth of a new form of transportation.” said West.
Taylor’s calls for a more interconnected, sustainable travel industry have been echoed over time. White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu. In his speech, Landrieu highlighted the role that infrastructure investment projects play in creating jobs and strengthening communities.
“It’s not just about building a bridge, it’s about who builds it, what it’s made of, where it goes and which communities use it.” said Landrieu. To lift America up and move her generations forward.
The Future of Travel Conference also saw changes in consumer preferences as important to promoting sustainable travel options. In a panel discussion, speakers explained how corporate environmental commitments and changing traveler needs are impacting travel and how the industry can thrive in a sustainable future.
“Travelers want to do the right thing when it comes to sustainable and responsible travel.” he said. Sangeeta Naik, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Marketing, American Express Travel. “Our customers are asking for this, and we are all responsible.”
“Business travel customers view sustainability as a decision-making point”. Added Jean Garris Hand, Vice President of Global ESG, Hilton. “Our corporate clients want to partner with their fellow, purpose-driven organizations.”
Especially as business travel accelerates, it is important for the industry to implement more sustainable travel options. According to US Travel Forecast, a strong return to business travel is expected in the second half of 2022 and into 2023.
Speakers at The Future of Travel Mobility agreed with US Travel’s prediction that business travel, while slow to fully recover, will strengthen in the near term. In a conversation with American Travel Association National Chairwoman and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom It was an emphatic response to predictions that business travel would not return after the pandemic.
“When it comes to business travel and aviation, they are wrong, wrong, wrong.” Isom announced.
While leisure demand is strong and business travel forecasts are strong in the near future, weakening demand for US travel – combined with high inflation and fuel prices – is providing head support as it poses threats to the industry’s future growth and efforts. Achieving greater sustainability.
“At a time when the industry is facing obstacles to a full recovery, the Future of Travel Mobility Conference was a golden opportunity to advance critical policies for the continued innovation of travel mobility.” said Freeman. “By bringing together travel and government thought leaders, we can ensure alignment on key issues that will make travel more globally competitive and sustainable for decades to come.”
The last speaker of the day, Representative Sam Graves, member of the US House Transportation and Infrastructure CommitteeLeave the public waiting: the next Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill.
“We are now taking information and ideas from stakeholders, but we probably won’t start the process until early next year.” Graves said, hinting that the bill could be fixed next summer.
To view the full agenda from the Future Travel Mobility event, please click here.
Click here to view footage of future travel activities.
Additional event photos are available from US Travel’s Communications Department.
About the American Travel Association
The US Travel Association is a national, not-for-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry. Travelers in the United States are estimated to spend $1.1 trillion in 2022 (still 10% below 2019 levels). US Travel supports policies to accelerate the travel industry’s equitable recovery and make economic and job growth an important contributor to our nation’s success. Visit ustravel.org for information and recovery-related information.
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