Latest news with #GeoffFreeman
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
From air traffic control to visitor fees, travel groups find pros and cons in budget law
Hotel, aviation and agency groups praised the massive budget and policy bill signed into law on July 4, citing long-sought investments in infrastructure and business-friendly tax policies. But industry stakeholders also expressed concern with its steep cuts to Brand USA's federal funding and the sharp fee hike for international travelers, which could further deter inbound travel. Aviation groups cheered the $12.5 billion provided to overhaul air traffic control (ATC) systems, even while cautioning that substantially more funding will be needed to complete the ambitious ATC transformation, especially within Transportation Department secretary Sean Duffy's four-year timeline. The Modern Skies Coalition, a group of stakeholders that formed for the purpose of supporting an ATC overhaul, called the bill a "meaningful first step toward replacing outdated technology and aging facilities with the tools needed to keep our skies safe and efficient for decades to come." The group has estimated that completing the ATC overhaul will cost at least $31 billion. Geoff Freeman The bill also won praise from airports for the more than $6.1 billion included for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, which was lauded by U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman. "This legislation is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to improving America's travel infrastructure and security," Freeman said. But Freeman was less complimentary when referring to the bill's provisions for visitor fees and travel funding. The law introduces a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for nonimmigrant visas and nearly doubles the Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee charged to Visa Waiver Program travelers, raising it from $21 to $40. It also slashed Brand USA's federal matching funds. Previously, Brand USA received private-sector donations that were matched by up to $100 million in federal funding provided by a $17 portion of every ESTA fee. The law now only provides for $20 million in federal funding for Brand USA. According to U.S. Travel, a portion of the fees once used for Brand USA will go to CBP to operate ESTA and "accomplish CBP's mission," and some will offset general government spending. Freeman called the new fees "foolish." "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," Freeman said. Freeman said that by not reinvesting the fees in improving the travel experience, the hikes "do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices." Fred Dixon The higher fees come as inbound visitation continues to decline: in June, total overseas visitation was down 3.4%, according to the National Travel & Tourism Office, excluding Canada and land crossings from Mexico. International visitation for the year is down 1.2%. Fred Dixon, CEO of Brand USA, said the reduction in its funding will require "a significant recalibration" of its resources and programming. Still, he added, "we remain focused on growing legitimate international inbound travel and the vital boost it provides to the U.S. economy, especially with major global events on the immediate horizon like America250 and the FIFA World Cup." Two ASTA victories ASTA said the bill contained two victories it had been lobbying for: a tax break used by many advisors was made permanent, and education savings accounts were given greater flexibility. The tax break, which had been set to expire at the end of 2025, allows small businesses to deduct 20% of their qualified business income. ASTA said the law has been updated to raise income limits to $75,000 for individuals or $150,000 for couples filing jointly. It also guarantees a minimum deduction of $400 for those earning at least $1,000 in business income. The deduction is applicable to many advisors, ASTA said. Jessica Klement The approved uses of 529 savings plans also expanded from a U.S. college or university or an apprenticeship program to being applicable to postsecondary training and credentialing, like ASTA's Verified Travel Advisor certification. Vice president of advocacy Jessica Klement called it "a common-sense update." Within the U.S. hotel industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) also praised the small-business tax break, which it said was crucial for hotel owners who operate as small businesses under licensing agreements with national brands. The expiration of the deduction would have significantly increased taxes for these operators, the AHLA said. The bill also permanently extends 100% bonus depreciation and expanded business interest deductibility, which the organization said would incentivize capital improvements and property modernization. Christina Jelski and Jamie Biesiada contributed to this report.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Trump's new legislation to double ESTA fee for US visitors ahead of major event; Key details here
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has a little-known clause that would soon double a vital fee for visitors to the United States. Donald Trump has signed it into law during the Independence Day ceremony at the White House. However, no specific date has been announced for the hike. An ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. Additionally, it permits multiple entries into the US, with a 90-day maximum stay for each visit. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} The increase in the visa waiver cost, approved by Congress, is anticipated to take place before the nation's co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The cost of an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is valid for two years, will increase from $21 to $40. {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} This tax rise coincides with a drop in UK visitors to multiple US states, such as Florida, Colorado, and California. Also Read: Melania Trump's Texas floods post sparks outrage as she offers just two things to victims; 'You and your husband…' US Travel Association highlights key wins in One Big Beautiful Bill {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} The US Travel Association noted a number of 'key wins' in the bill, including additional customs manpower, security funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, and financing for modernizing air traffic control. They did, however, object to the tax hike and Brand USA's funding reduction. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The US Travel Association noted a number of 'key wins' in the bill, including additional customs manpower, security funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, and financing for modernizing air traffic control. They did, however, object to the tax hike and Brand USA's funding reduction. {{/usCountry}} Read More {{^usCountry}} The US Travel Association's President and CEO, Geoff Freeman, commended the risky, essential investments in Customs and Border Protection and air traffic control that would significantly improve the experience of travelers. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The US Travel Association's President and CEO, Geoff Freeman, commended the risky, essential investments in Customs and Border Protection and air traffic control that would significantly improve the experience of travelers. {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} The wise investments in the travel process, as per the CEO, would make it more difficult to accept 'foolish' extra charges on international tourists and cuts to Brand USA, America's marketing arm. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The wise investments in the travel process, as per the CEO, would make it more difficult to accept 'foolish' extra charges on international tourists and cuts to Brand USA, America's marketing arm. {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} With a two-year validity duration, the ESTA is a requirement for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means travelers planning a trip to the US should be aware of this. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} With a two-year validity duration, the ESTA is a requirement for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means travelers planning a trip to the US should be aware of this. {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for brief visits of up to 90 days without requiring a visa. In order to be eligible, travelers must be from a VWP nation, have an ESTA that has been approved, and meet other requirements. Here are some tips to navigate ESTA application with ease Refusing to disclose your prior travel experiences may also lead to a denial. Other typical mistakes that could prevent you from boarding your aircraft include failing to verify the status of your ESTA application or registering too shortly before your departure date. Your ESTA application may be denied if you have traveled to Cuba, a country dubbed sponsor of terrorism by the US. {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} An ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. Additionally, it permits multiple entries into the US, with a 90-day maximum stay for each visit. This suggests that visitors can frequently apply months in advance of their trip to circumvent the peak travel times that could impact the approval process. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Travellers to the US set to pay 'double' in major new change
The US Congress has approved an increase in a fee that could come into effect before the turn of the year Travellers heading to the US will face a doubling of a key fee in a lesser-known aspect of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While no specific date for the increase has been confirmed, the bill approved by Congress will become law once signed by Donald Trump. It has sanctioned an increase in the visa waiver fee, expected to come into effect before the States co-host next year's FIFA World Cup. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - which is valid for two years - has risen from $21 to $40. This hike comes as several US states, including California, Colorado and Florida, are witnessing a decline in UK visitor numbers. While the US Travel Association acknowledged some "key wins" in the bill – such as funding for modernising air traffic control, increased customs staffing and security funding for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and 2028 Olympics – it criticised the fee increase and the funding cut to Brand USA. Geoff Freeman, US Travel Association president and chief executive, stated that "bold, necessary investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection will make a meaningful difference in the traveller's experience". However, he added: "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 capitalising on the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics – requires smarter policy and legislative changes that we are already pursuing." Currently, travellers entering the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens from participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, provided they are a citizen of a VWP-participating country, possess a valid ESTA authorization, and meet specific requirements. This development follows a warning from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that failure to clear a forgotten item with the airline beforehand may disrupt a trip. Earlier this year, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cautioned British nationals planning to travel to the US about new guidelines for UK tourists related to obtaining an ESTA for travel. According to experts, certain common errors should be avoided during the application process. As a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, it is essential to obtain an ESTA approval prior to boarding a flight to the US. Experts from Journeyscape have highlighted frequent pitfalls to be avoided when applying for an ESTA, as well as tips to streamline the process. Typical mistakes that could delay ESTA approval include incorrect passport information, which is a primary cause of rejections. Failure to disclose previous travel history can also result in denial. Not checking the status of an ESTA application and applying too close to your travel date are other common mistakes that could prevent you from boarding your flight. In January 2021, the US designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Consequently, if you have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, you may not be eligible for an ESTA. This change means you will likely need to apply for a full visa through a US. embassy or consulate instead. If you've travelled to Cuba since the rule change, your ESTA application might be denied, and you may have to undergo the traditional visa process. Keep this in mind when planning your travels to avoid any surprises. Tips for a Smooth ESTA Application Process Apply Early, But Not Too Early: While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. It's wise to apply at least a week before your trip. However, don't apply more than 90 days before your travel date, as the ESTA is only valid for two years, and applying too early could mean needing to renew sooner than necessary if you frequently visit the US. Double-Check Your Information: A common cause of delays or rejections is incorrect or incomplete information on the application. Be sure to match your passport information exactly, including your full legal name, passport number, and expiration date. Ensure you provide a valid email address, as this is where you'll receive your approval notification. Make sure to list your actual country of citizenship accurately. When applying for ESTA, use only the official US Government website at to avoid unnecessary fees from third-party services. The application fee is $21, and third-party sites may charge more without offering additional benefits. It's useful to know your travel plans in advance. Although not required to have confirmed flight and accommodation details, you should be prepared to provide some information about your itinerary, including where you will stay in the U.S., even if it's just the name of a city. ESTA is an automated system that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses to assess whether visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can enter the United States without a visa for tourism, business, or transit. While many ESTA approvals are granted within minutes, some applications could take up to 72 hours due to factors like incomplete submissions, system errors, or specific travel histories. If your application is "pending," there's no need to worry - this is a common occurrence and usually resolves within a couple of days, officials say. The positive aspect of ESTA is its validity period, which extends up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. It permits multiple entries with each stay lasting no longer than 90 days. This implies that astute travellers can often outsmart the busy travel periods that may affect the approval process by applying months ahead of their journey. What to do if your ESTA is denied If your application is rejected, it doesn't necessarily mean you are prohibited from travelling to the U.S. Here's what to consider. Reapply if It's a Simple Mistake: If you think your application was denied due to a minor error, you can reapply with the corrected information. There's no waiting period for reapplication. Apply for a U.S. Visa: If your ESTA is denied for more complex reasons (such as travel history to restricted countries), you'll need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly. Contact CBP for Clarification: In cases where you believe your ESTA denial was a mistake, you can contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further guidance. While they may not reverse the decision, they can clarify the reasons for the denial. Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at Journeyscape stated: "Navigating the ESTA process can indeed be smooth and hassle-free if you take a proactive approach. The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. "Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details-such as passport information and travel itinerary-can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials. "Additionally, keeping abreast of recent rule changes is crucial, particularly for travellers who might be impacted by the latest restrictions, such as those associated with travel history in Cuba. Despite possessing a valid ESTA, bear in mind that entry to the U.S. is ultimately decided at the border by Customs and Border Protection. "Be ready to answer queries about your travel intentions and schedule. Adhering to these steps will aid in ensuring a smooth travel experience, reducing stress and enhancing the success of your trip."
Travel Weekly
05-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Travel industry delivers praise and concern after Trump's policy bill becomes law
President Trump's budget and policy bill delivered a mix of celebration and concern for the travel industry, as long-sought investments in infrastructure and business-friendly tax policies came with steep cuts to Brand USA's federal funding. Trump signed the bill into law July 4. U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman praised the law's investments in air traffic control modernization and staffing for Customs and Border Protection, but he warned that reductions to Brand USA and visa fee hikes risk deterring inbound travel. The bill includes a $250 Visa Integrity Fee for nonimmigrant visas and a near doubling of the ESTA fee from $21 to $40 for Visa Waiver Program travelers. It also slashed Brand USA's federal matching funds from $100 million to $20 million. "This legislation is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to improving America's travel infrastructure and security," said Freeman. "Bold, necessary investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection will make a meaningful difference in the traveler's experience. "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," he added. "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." Forum: Why slashing Brand USA funding is a costly mistake "it's effectively pulling the rug out from under an entire sector of our economy," writes Spark executive vice president Dulani Porter. Continue Reading Freeman said that "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." Fred Dixon, CEO of Brand USA, said that while the organization is "disappointed" with the reduction in federal matching funds the bill, Brand USA "remains committed to our mission and looks forward to opportunities for funding restoration in the future." "The current reduction will require a significant recalibration of our resources and programming that is still to be determined," Dixon said. "But we remain focused on growing legitimate international inbound travel and the vital boost it provides to the U.S. economy, especially with major global events on the immediate horizon like America250 and the FIFA World Cup." The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) praised the bill's inclusion of tax provisions that it called critical to the hospitality industry. "This law provides long-term tax certainty and powerful incentives for small business owners and will help business owners re-invest in their communities and create more jobs," said AHLA CEO Rosanna Maietta. "Quite simply, it's a game-changer for small businesses across all industries."
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Blow to Brits as tourist visa for US holidays to cost MUCH more
A TRIP to the USA is set to get more expensive for Brits. Thanks to a new bill being passed, the price of an ESTA is set to double from $21 (£15.38) to $40 (£29.30). 4 Brits are required to apply for an ESTA before visiting the states Credit: Alamy 4 The new 'Beautiful Bill' means ESTAs will double in price Credit: Alamy Before entering the US, Brits are required to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The fee is currently $21 (£15.38) to apply for an ESTA - a price which was introduced in May 2022. Prior to this date, the fee was $14 (£10.25) and will now rise to $40 (£29.30) although an official start date is yet to be confirmed. The rise in fees is part of US President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill". Read More on Holidays The current rules require every visitor from the UK to apply for an ESTA to be allowed access into the United States. An ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of approval, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. If your passport expires before the two-year period, your ESTA will be valid only until the passport's expiration date. You'll need to apply for a new ESTA if you get a new passport or if your current ESTA expires. Most read in News Travel US Travel's President and CEO Geoff Freeman fears the increased fees will "do nothing to improve the travel experience and only discourage visitation.' I travelled to America to try the viral TikTok shop Crumbl 4 Visitors will have to pay $40 (£29.30) from $21 (£15.38) Credit: Alamy America isn't the only place increasing fees for a visa. The EU is gearing up to introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme next year. This swiftly follows the introduction of the new ETIAS will be a requirement for any non-EU national from a visa-exempt countries, including the UK, for short-term stays in the And the online fee to enter the ETIAS scheme could be more than initially planned. Current plans for travellers heading from outside the bloc include them paying €7 (£6.04) as part of an online application. However, now the European Union is looking to raise that price, even though the scheme hasn't launched yet. For anyone And here are 4 The price of an ESTA will nearly double under a new bill Credit: Alamy
