Key Insights from Washington

IITA Advocacy Committee Brings Back Key Insights from Washington

This week, members of IITA’s Advocacy Committee were in Washington, D.C., meeting with industry leaders, federal agencies, and government officials to address pressing issues affecting international inbound travel. Here are the top five takeaways:

1. National Park Service (NPS) international visitor fee coming soon.
   According to Acting Director Jessica Bowron, the Department of the Interior is advancing plans to increase entrance and recreation pass fees for foreign visitors, as directed under the Executive Order: Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks. The additional revenue would fund infrastructure and visitor experience improvements. While neither the fee nor rollout details have been formally announced, NPS officials indicated the plan is far along.
   
   
2. Top industry-wide issues: visa fees, consumer sentiment, and visa processing.
   Across meetings with federal agencies, U.S. Travel, and a roundtable of more than 20 industry associations, a common theme emerged: concern over declining inbound travel and a growing perception abroad that the U.S. does not welcome international visitors. Key drivers include the proposed $250 Visa Integrity Fee, other fee increases, and negative media coverage of border incidents.
   
   Visa processing remains a challenge. Wait times are still long in several markets, though improvements are being reported. The Visa Services Office is releasing additional appointments—especially for World Cup applicants—and staffing up in high-demand countries. Virtual interviews have been phased out, except for B1/B2 visas, due to anticipated high volumes for World Cup next year. The State Department provides updated visa wait times and other visa news on its website.
   
   
3. Brand USA remains well-funded and focused.
   IITA met with Brand USA leadership, including President & CEO Fred Dixon. The agency confirmed that $100 million in pre-earned FY25 funds will be disbursed this month, providing stability despite an $80 million reduction in FY26. Brand USA will announce its strategy for the America the Beautiful campaign ahead of Travel Week London next month. In addition, IITA will launch an Inbound Operator Advisory Group to share market insights quarterly with Brand USA’s trade team, ensuring members are aligned with upcoming promotions.
   
   
4. 2026 Plan for Road-based Commercial Tour CUAs (Commercial Use Authorizations).
   NPS staff reported that not all parks will require Road-based Commercial Tour CUAs in the near term as previously reported. While a centralized application system and $350 CUA fee are still slated for 2026, individual parks can decide whether these CUAs are necessary. Officials expect only a few more parks to adopt the requirement, with a list to be released in the coming weeks and applications opening on Nov 1.
   
   
5. IITA members are a valued resource.
   Federal agencies and industry partners emphasized the importance of IITA members’ insights in shaping policy and messaging. Specific requests included:

• • Messages that counter negative perceptions of the U.S.
  • Positive traveler stories to reassure future visitors.
  • Data demonstrating that travel trade customers do not overstay visas.
  • Examples of resilient markets and lessons that can be applied elsewhere.

These discussions underscore the vital role inbound operators play in bridging the U.S. with the international travel trade—and why our collective voice matters in Washington.