Future of Travel Mobility 2022

On September 20, U.S. Travel hosted its second annual Future of Travel Mobility conference at Union Station in Washington D.C. This unique gathering brought together global travel and business leaders, along with government officials and policymakers, to accelerate action on central issues impacting the traveler experience.

This year’s event featured prominent participants including American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, MGM Resorts CEO and President William Hornbuckle, Enterprise Holdings President and CEO Chrissy Taylor, Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO), U.S. Department of Transportation Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Carlos Monje, Jr. and White House Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu.

Through in-depth, thought-provoking dialogue, we examined the critical issues shaping travel mobility’s future—and the policies needed to seize the opportunities before us—including:

Innovative and Emerging Travel. Cutting-edge modes of transportation will transform the ways travelers move to and around destinations. How might these innovations create a more enjoyable and comfortable travel experience? What could they mean for destinations and attractions? What policies are needed to support new transportation modes?

Seamless and Secure Travel. New technologies such as biometrics and touchless digital technology hold the promise of creating a frictionless and more secure travel experience—from airport security to curbside pick-up to hotel check-in. How can policymakers, transportation leaders, hospitality and other travel partners work together to create seamless solutions for travelers? How can trusted traveler programs be improved and screening processes be streamlined? As technologies evolve, how do we address privacy and equity concerns?

Sustainable Travel. Throughout the travel industry, businesses and destinations are working to lower carbon emissions and reduce their environmental impact. What obstacles must be overcome to make travel more sustainable? Where should EV charging infrastructure be built to ease range anxiety among travelers and ensure travel destinations aren’t left behind? How can travel sectors work together to realize a more sustainable future?

Watch the 2022 event sessions below:

Opening Keynote and Q&A

• William J. Hornbuckle, Chief Executive Officer and President, MGM Resorts International
• Moderator: Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association

Sustainable Travel Framing Remarks 

• Brendan Jones, President, Blink Charging

Sustainable Travel Panel: Toward End-to-End Travel Sustainability 

• Mike Daher, Vice Chair, US Transportation, Hospitality & Services, Deloitte
• Jean Garris Hand, Vice President of Global ESG, Hilton
• Sangeeta Naik, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships & Marketing, American Express Travel
• Moderator: Julia Cosgrove. VP, Editor in Chief, AFAR Media

Sustainable Travel Fireside Chat 

• Chrissy Taylor, President and CEO, Enterprise Holdings
• Moderator: Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association

• Dennis Newman, Executive Vice president, Strategy, Planning & Accessibility, Amtrak

• Robert Isom, CEO American Airlines
• Moderator: Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line

• Carlos Monje, Jr., Under Secretary of Transportation for policy, US Department of Transportation

Innovative & Emerging Travel Transportation Fireside Chat 

• Gil West, Chief Operating Officer, Cruise
• Moderator: James Fallows, Co-Author, ‘Our Towns,’ Contributing Writer, The Atlantic

Innovative and Emerging Travel Spotlight Remarks 

• Mitch Landrieu, White House Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator

Innovative & Emerging Travel: Public & Private Sector Solutions 

• Mitch Landrieu, White House Senior Advisor & Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator
• Walt Leger, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, New Orleans & Company
• Patrick Goddard, President, Brightline Trains
• Moderator: Jessica Wehrman, Transportation and Infrastructure Reporter, CQ Roll Call

Seamless & Secure Travel: Creating A More Frictionless Travel Experience

• Erik Hansen, Vice President, Government Relations, U.S. Travel
• Kevin Yoder, Partner, HHQ Ventures
• Lisa Sullivan, Executive Vice President, Travel and Transport, IDEMIA
• Moderator: Kendall Bentz, Managing Partner, Prologue

Sustainable Air Travel: Ready for Takeoff?

• Rachel Devine, Senior Vice President, Global Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Boom Supersonic
• Alex Menotti, Head of Corporate and Government Affairs, LanzaJet
• Laurence Wildgoose, Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs, & Environment Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Moderator: James Fallows, Co-Author, ‘Our Towns,’ Contributing Writer, The Atlantic

• Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representatives
• Moderator: Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, U.S. Travel Association

THANK YOU TO