Representatives from every corner of the travel and tourism industry will meet in New York City on Wednesday, April 19 for the inaugural Secure Tourism Summit, hosted by the U.S. Travel Association.
The event marks the first time the U.S. Travel Association has convened the entire industry, from hotels and destination marketers to airlines and professional sports, to address security challenges facing stadiums, convention centers, airports, attractions and other venues where visitors gather.
U.S. government officials, as well as law enforcement, cybersecurity and operations specialists will join travel leaders to discuss preparation strategies, planning and prevention, crisis response and more.
Featured speakers and experts include:
- Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2013-2017).
- Frances Townsend, National Security Analyst, CBS News; Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (2004-2008).
- Jorge Costa, Senior Vice President, Operations and Facilities, San Francisco Giants.
- Kathleen Matthews, Chair, Maryland Democratic Party and Former Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International.
- Laurie Barnett, Managing Director of Communications, Preparedness and Outreach, Southwest Airlines.
"I am a firm believer in finding the correct balance between travel facilitation and security," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "Threat mitigation is top of mind for travel businesses and leaders, because without security, there can be no travel. The Secure Tourism Summit is a unique opportunity for the travel and tourism industry to gather and share best practices, and discuss how we can ensure the safety of every traveler before, during and after any potential security situation.”
In keeping with the theme of balancing security and efficiency, all registered attendees will have the opportunity to enroll on-site in TSA Pre-Check at the event. TSA Pre-Check is an expedited screening program that provides pre-vetted, low-risk air travelers a more efficient airport security experience.
All events will take place at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City.
Learn more about the Secure Tourism Summit via the U.S. Travel website.
