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Former Gaming Trade Group Leader Says US Must ‘Urgently Modernize’ Travel

According to the former head of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the US has to "urgently modernize" its transportation networks and infrastructure so that leisure and tourism can resume after the COVID-19 epidemic.

One of the most well-known lobbyists in the nation, Geoff Freeman, left the AGA in June 2018 after assisting New Jersey in overturning the federal sports betting ban.  In 2022, Freeman became president and CEO of the US Travel Association, following four years as president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association/Consumer Brands Association.

As the primary spokesperson for the $1.3 trillion US travel and hospitality business, of which casino gaming is a significant part, Freeman holds this position.  Freeman claims that President Donald Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and the current congressional leadership are in a good position to make investments in the future of travel in an opinion piece published this week in The Washington Times.

“The US is still the world’s premier travel destination, yet international visitation hasn’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, despite being one of America’s top exports, bigger than steel, aluminum, and even aircraft. Reclaiming America’s global travel leadership is essential, and the time to act is now,” wrote Freeman.

Caesars Entertainment, Delaware North, Hard Rock, MGM Resorts, and The Venetian Resort are just a few of the casino operators that are members of the US Travel Association. 

Important Events Coming Up 

According to Freeman, the United States should make large investments in airport improvements as well as border and customs screening procedures because it will hold the FIFA World Cup, commemorate America's 250th birthday in 2026, and host the Summer Olympics in 2028.

"Travel is a cornerstone of the American economy, but to keep it growing, it must thrive,” Freeman continued. “The US must urgently modernize the travel experience.”

The Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel was recently called by Freeman's US Travel Association.  It makes numerous recommendations, one of which is that Congress provide funds to enable the Transportation Security Administration to develop more intelligent and expedient screening tools that would enable travelers to pass through security wearing belts, shoes, and jackets and to carry larger liquids and electronics in their bags.  Another pillar is a simplified, visitor-friendly visa policy.

“Reclaiming global travel leadership, strengthening our economy, and making American travel the best in the world must be national priorities. Doing so will deliver a world-class travel experience and unlock major economic benefits for American workers, businesses, and communities across the country,” Freeman concluded.

The Las Vegas Blues 

The travel decline is undoubtedly felt in Las Vegas, the market that is most crucial to the general well-being of the US casino industry.

As of April, Las Vegas has only had slightly over 13 million visitors, a 6.5% decrease from the previous year and about one million fewer visitors overall.  Even while conference attendance has increased by almost 2%, fewer leisure travelers are visiting Las Vegas.

Harry Reid International Airport said today that through May, it handled 4% fewer travelers arriving and departing.  Compared to May 2024, passenger traffic at international airports decreased by nearly 9% last month.