The U.S. Travel Association today announced the launch of the America’s Sports and Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC)—a national alliance of sports, travel, and business leaders dedicated to helping the United States successfully host a once-in-a-generation slate of global sporting events.
ASTMEC, America’s Sports & Travel Mega Event Coalition, was launched, and US Travel welcomes this step by the White House, while urging the current administration to stop charging visitors arriving in the United States on a VISA a $250 Junk fee.
In June, the U.S. Travel Association concluded IPW 2025 in Chicago, marking the end of a powerful conference that drew more than 5,000 delegates from 64 countries and generated momentum for the next three years of international inbound travel to the United States. The message was:
U.S. Must Be Ready to Welcome the World
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, ASTMEC will work in close partnership with the administration to ensure the necessary policies, infrastructure, and security systems are in place to support these and other mega events—expected to generate a $100 billion economic impact nationwide over the next four years.
White House Tourism Task Force Launched
“The Trump administration’s launch of the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics lays critical groundwork for a historic decade of global sports,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
“This is another opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate its leadership on the world stage. Hosting these events will bring global attention and millions of visitors to our cities—but momentum isn’t enough. Success demands strategy, unity, and investment.
We urge the White House Task Force to press Congress to scrap the misguided $250 junk fee that will deter legitimate visitors. ASTMEC is ready to partner with federal and local leaders to deliver a secure, seamless experience and a legacy that lasts.”
Over the next four years, the United States is projected to welcome more than 30 million international visitors for major sporting events—placing new demands on the country’s travel systems and infrastructure.
ASTMEC
To help meet those demands and enhance the visitor experience, ASTMEC will work closely with federal officials to focus on:
- Modernizing visa and entry systems, including a new Visa Task Force
- Upgrading airports and deploying next-generation security technology
- Ensuring fast, safe travel for athletes, fans, sponsors and media
U.S. Travel strongly supports recent federal action, including:
- The creation of the White House Task Forces on the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics
- A $625 million federal investment in 2026 FIFA World Cup operations
- A $1 billion commitment to the 2028 Olympic Games
ASTMEC is committed to working alongside the administration, Congress, state and local leaders, and the private sector to ensure these historic events are not only successful but catalyze long-term improvements to America’s travel system and international competitiveness.
