Top travel leaders, including Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin and President & CEO of U.S. Travel Association Geoff Freeman, gathered in Seattle at the annual EXPLORE conference to discuss turbulence in the global travel market. As economic pressures grow and international demand softens, industry insiders are calling for urgent action to encourage travel to and within the U.S. 

The two executives provide commentary on what the U.S. government must do now to protect one of its most vital economic engines, and what to do about the drop in demand from Canadian travelers and why economic softness may be good news for your summer vacation. 

Top Story Angles: 

• The economic threat to U.S. travel: International arrivals are down, inflation is squeezing consumers, and global instability is reshaping demand patterns.  

• 2026 could be a turning point — or a missed chance: With major global events like the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, leaders stress that now is the moment to invest in infrastructure, streamline travel policies, and improve the traveler experience. 

• Traveler frustration is peaking: At the summit, leaders are candid about the problems and focused on solutions. 

WHERE:  

Expedia Headquarters 

Seattle, United States

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Laura Lopez

US Head of Media Relations

laulopez@expediagroup.com