(CHARLESTON, SC)— The U.S. Travel Association, the national organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, announced today that Helen Hill, President and CEO of Explore Charleston, was selected for its Executive Board. Hill was also appointed Chair of U.S. Travel's Nominating and Membership Committee.
The Board is chaired by MGM Resorts International CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle and comprised of 30 members representing all segments of the industry, including executives from multinational hotel companies, airlines, cruise lines and other destinations. The group will work closely with U.S. Travel’s President and CEO, Geoff Freeman and the executive leadership team to guide the association's strategy and ensure the success of U.S. Travel's mission to advance the industry.
During a Congressional Briefing at the U.S. Capitol last week, U.S. Travel unveiled a blueprint to position America as the world’s travel leader and avoid massive entry delays, overwhelmed TSA checkpoints and frustrated travelers as the U.S. prepares for a decade of historic global events. U.S. Travel is calling for immediate leadership from the White House and action from Congress to ensure the Federal government delivers a “golden age of travel” ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In addition to security reforms outlined throughout the report, U.S. Travel continues to call for urgent modernization of air traffic control technology and solutions to the nation’s air traffic controller shortages.
"Our industry is at an inflection point, and it is an honor to serve U.S. Travel in this capacity,” said Hill. “I'm encouraged by the impressive report released last week. We have important work ahead, and I can think of no more vital strategies than enhancing safety, efficiency and the overall travel experience for all who travel into and within the United States.”
"This cohort represents powerhouse travel leaders that will guide the association's strategy, peer around corners and ensure the success of U.S. Travel's evolution into becoming an indispensable organization. We are grateful for their commitment to advancing the industry together over the next two years," said Freeman in today's message to U.S. Travel's membership.
The new slate of Executive Board members and elected officers for the upcoming term is available online. Explore the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel's report and newly launched microsite.
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U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation's economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States.
As the region’s destination marketing and management organization, Explore Charleston represents 11 municipalities across three counties. It seeks to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area, create overnight visitation, and support responsible development through travel and tourism strategies.
Media contact:
Chris Campbell, Explore Charleston
ccampbell@explorecharleston.com
843-958-3639