Former Gaming Trade Group Leader Says US Must ‘Urgently Modernize’ Travel
Posted on: June 26, 2025, 02:07h.
Last updated on: June 26, 2025, 02:47h.
- The US Travel Association is calling for airport infrastructure and TSA upgrades
- Travel to the US remains below pre-pandemic levels, says Geoff Freeman
- Geoff Freeman previously led the American Gaming Association
The former head of the American Gaming Association (AGA) says the United States must “urgently modernize” its transportation infrastructure and systems to allow tourism and leisure travel to return following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geoff Freeman, among the country’s most respected lobbyists, departed the AGA in June 2018, just a month after successfully helping New Jersey overturn the federal ban on sports betting. After a four-year stint as president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association/Consumer Brands Association, Freeman joined the US Travel Association in 2022 as its president and CEO.
In the role, Freeman is the leading advocate for the $1.3 trillion US travel and hospitality industry, with casino gaming a major component of the sector. Writing an op-ed this week in The Washington Times, Freeman says President Donald Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and the current leadership in Congress are positioned well to invest in the future of travel.
“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.
Numerous casino operators are US Travel Association members, including Caesars Entertainment, Delaware North, Hard Rock, MGM Resorts, and The Venetian Resort.
Major Events Forthcoming
With the US set to host the FIFA World Cup and celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, and host the 2028 Summer Olympics, Freeman says significant investments in airport upgrades and borders and customs screening processes are warranted.
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.”
Freeman’s US Travel Association recently convened the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel. Among its many recommendations is that Congress allocate funding that would allow the Transportation Security Administration to build smarter, faster screening capabilities to allow air passengers to go through security with their shoes, jackets, and belts on, and bring aboard larger liquids and electronics in bags. A streamlined, visitor-friendly visa policy is another pillar.
“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.
Las Vegas Blues
Las Vegas, the most important market to the overall health of the US gaming industry, certainly feels the travel pullback.
Year to date through April, Las Vegas has welcomed only a little more than 13 million visitors, a 6.5% year-over-year decline, or almost one million fewer people. Despite convention attendance making a nearly 2% gain, many fewer leisure travelers are making the trip to Las Vegas.
Today, Harry Reid International Airport reported that it facilitated 4% fewer arriving and departing passengers through May. Last month, international airport passenger traffic slowed by almost 9% compared with May 2024.
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