How the U.S. Travel Association is Preparing Airports and Visa Systems for the 2026 World Cup & 2028 Olympics

Hear how the U.S. Travel Association and its new coalition are working with the White House to upgrade airports, modernize visas, and ensure secure, seamless travel ahead of the World Cup and Olympics.

Joe Petrie

Aug. 29, 2025

Five Things You’ll Learn from This Episode

Why the U.S. is entering a “mega decade” of global sports and what it means for airports, cities, and the travel industry.
How the U.S. Travel Association’s new coalition (ASTMEC) is partnering with the White House to prepare for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
The most urgent infrastructure upgrades at airports to handle 30 million expected international visitors.
Why visa modernization is critical and how new federal initiatives aim to shorten wait times and streamline entry.
What lasting legacy these investments could leave behind for America’s travel system and global competitiveness well beyond 2028.

The United States is preparing for a historic wave of mega sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics—together expected to generate more than $100 billion in economic impact. To meet the challenge, the U.S. Travel Association has launched the America’s Sports and Travel Mega Event Coalition (ASTMEC), bringing together sports, travel, and business leaders to partner with the federal government on infrastructure, security, and policy reforms.

In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, host Joe Petrie speaks with Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the U.S. Travel Association. Hansen discusses how ASTMEC will shape U.S. preparations for an influx of 30 million international visitors, the urgent need for visa modernization and airport upgrades, and the lasting legacy these investments could create for America’s travel system well beyond 2028.

About the Author

Joe Petrie

Editor & Chief

Joe Petrie is the Editorial Director for the Endeavor Aviation Group.

Joe has spent the past 20 years writing about the most cutting-edge topics related to transportation and policy in a variety of sectors with an emphasis on transportation issues for the past 15 years.

Contact: Joe Petrie

Editor & Chief | Airport Business

[email protected]

+1-920-568-8399

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