by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:10 AM ET, Wed October 22, 2025
WHY IT RATES: As one of
travel’s biggest proponents in the United States, the U.S. Travel Association
has appointed a new liaison to build relationships with the government.—Donald
Wood, News Editor.
The U.S. Travel Association announced Erik Hansen as senior
vice president, head of government relations, where he will lead the
association’s advocacy strategy and engagement with policymakers on issues
critical to strengthening and growing the U.S. travel industry.
Hansen, who joined U.S. Travel 15 years ago after working on
Capitol Hill, has played a central role in developing and advancing the
association’s policy priorities across transportation, infrastructure, and
travel facilitation.
Throughout his tenure at U.S. Travel, Erik has led
successful advocacy efforts to shape federal policies that improve the traveler
experience and strengthen the global competitiveness of the American travel
industry—including reopening U.S. borders after the COVID-19 pandemic,
establishing TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, improving visitor visa processing,
and securing federal funding for major travel infrastructure projects.
“Following a comprehensive search for a strong leader,
strategic thinker, talented advocate and passionate mentor, I’m pleased to name
Erik Hansen as U.S. Travel’s head of government relations,” said Geoff Freeman,
president and CEO of U.S. Travel. “I have every confidence he will lead our
advocacy efforts with the same integrity, collaboration and commitment he’s
shown throughout his career.”
Hansen’s leadership comes at a pivotal time for the travel
industry as U.S. Travel continues to advocate for policies to modernize the
travel experience as we prepare for America 250, 2026 FIFA World Cup and the
2028 Olympics.
SOURCE: U.S. Travel
Association press release.
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