Report – The US Travel System is not ready to participate in the World Cup, Olympics

WASHINGTON – The U.S. air travel system is underequipped to provide millions of visitors to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, according to a report released Wednesday by a nonprofit representing the travel industry.

The American Travel Association report, written by a group of former government officials and industry experts, points to the aging infrastructure, slow visa processing time and outdated security technologies, which are the main obstacles to welcoming tourists to the country.

“We are not ready for the upcoming large events that will attract millions of domestic and international travelers,” said the American Travel Association. “This presents risks to our national security and hinders economic growth.”

The report estimates that 40 million people can visit the United States to participate in the World Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2025 Ryder Cup and the 250th birthday of the United States, including the 6 million World Cup.

U.S. Travel CEO and President Geoff Freeman said in 2024, TSA screened more than 3 million passengers in five days, including pre-30 Singer. By 2028, they hope to see such numbers in 100 days.

“The message today is clear,” he said at a press conference on Capitol Hill. “The status quo is not an option.”

The report recommends that the government create a White House-led task force, create an accelerated visitor visa process, and modernize airport security through the adoption of new technologies, such as biometrics. Freeman told ESPN that his organization met with White House officials over the past week. An attempt to reach the White House was unsuccessful.

“The president is outspoken to use it as the gold standard of the World Cup, which is the best Olympics ever,” Freeman said. “To do these things, to achieve these goals, you have to make some of these investments.”

Freeman said slow visa processing times are “the biggest deterrent force for visiting the United States.” According to the State Council, the waiting time for visitors’ visas in countries such as Colombia can reach 700 days.

These delays, if not resolved, could result in losses for millions of visitors and spend nearly $19 billion in losses over the next two years, according to an Oxford economics study cited in the report.

“People want to come, but they don’t,” Freeman said. “It depends on the waiting time for these visas. It depends on the inefficiency of customs. In situations where people are not welcome, it boils down to a perception. We are very Worry.”