Cortez Masto, Rosen, Klobuchar Urge Trump Administration to Reconvene Essential Travel and Tourism Board

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined a letter led by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) urging Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to reconvene an essential travel and tourism board amidst a decline in international tourism to the United States. The U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB) has provided a valuable forum for leaders across the travel and tourism industry to share their insight into the challenges facing the sector and provide direct input on federal tourism policy. However, this board has not met once since the start of President Trump’s second term despite stark decreases in domestic and international tourism nationwide due to Trump Administration policies. “The travel and tourism industry is a vital part of our economy, supporting millions of jobs for Americans and sustaining many of our nation’s communities, making travel slowdowns all the more devastating,” wrote the senators. “Policymakers need to hear from industry leaders when making decisions that could have broad economic consequences, and without that input, legislators and the Administration risk making decisions without a full understanding of how they could affect the travel and tourism industry.” “During your confirmation process, you voiced your support for efforts that promote travel and tourism to the United States. Holding regular TTAB meetings — as the Board has traditionally done in past years — would go a long way towards advancing those efforts by bringing together voices from various parts of the industry,” they continued. “We are encouraged to know that the Department is now working to renew the TTAB’s charter, but we urge you to see that process through and restore the Board to regular operation as soon as possible.” You can read the full letter here . Senator Cortez Masto is a fierce advocate for Nevada’s travel and tourism economy. She has repeatedly raised concerns about the Trump Administration’s policies that are driving down tourism and demanded that the administration deliver a plan to reverse the harm they’ve caused. She has also supported legislation to reverse funding cuts to the effective Brand USA travel promotion public-private partnership program. Ahead of the July 2026 review of the USMCA, the Senator urged Trade Representative Greer to strengthen the trade agreement while encouraging collaboration on travel and tourism – a commitment she secured today. She held a press conference with Las Vegas business owners reliant on the travel industry who have been harmed by the Trump Administration’s detrimental policies. ###