Industry Applauds U.S. Repeal of COVID-19 Testing Mandate for Inbound Air Travelers

June 10, 2022

Following months of advocacy, travel and events industry entities are praising the Biden Administration’s announcement that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will lift the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for inbound air travelers, effective June 12, hailing the move as vital to the industry’s full recovery.  

“As the face-to-face business events industry continues to work tirelessly to bring back international exhibitors and attendees to our conferences and trade shows, this welcome news removes one of the key barriers to jumpstarting our industry’s recovery and getting people from across the country and around the world back to business at our U.S. events,” said Thomas Goodwin, vice president for government affairs for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA).

The important development comes at the end of ECA Legislative Action Week, which brought together leaders and advocates from across the face-to-face business events industry to meet with members of Congress about the importance of enabling the return of international attendees and exhibitors by encouraging the Biden Administration to remove the pre-departure testing requirement and restore visa interviewing and processing capacity at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to pre-pandemic levels.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow commended the Biden Administration and called the decision to lift the testing requirement another huge step forward for the recovery of international travel to the U.S., pointing to a recent analysis that projects 5.4 million additional visitors to the U.S. and $9 billion in additional travel spending in 2022 as a result.

“U.S. Travel and our partners advocated tirelessly for months to ensure this requirement would be lifted, pointing to the monumental scientific advancements that have made it possible for us to reach this point,” Dow said.

International inbound travel is vitally important to businesses, including those in the events sector, and workers across the country who have struggled to regain losses from the pandemic, according to Dow, who added that more than half of international travelers in a recent survey pointed to the pre-departure testing requirement as a major deterrent to travel to the U.S.

According to the latest international inbound travel forecast by Tourism Economics and U.S. Travel, international travel spending was $180.9 billion in 2019, and taking elevated inflation into account, is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels until approximately 2025.

“Prior to the pandemic, travel was one of our nation’s largest industry exports,” Dow said. “The lifting of this requirement will enable the industry to lead the way toward a broader U.S. economic and jobs recovery.”

Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh praised U.S. Travel and industry partners who continuously advocated to end the testing requirement and commended the Biden Administration for its decision.

"We thank President Biden, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, [White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator] Dr. Ashish Jha and others in the administration for recognizing the immense economic power of travel and its ability to reconnect the U.S. with the global community," Welsh said.

The requirement for a negative COVID-19 test for inbound travelers prior to arriving in the U.S. had been in place since last year. The CDC said science and data have indicated that it is no longer necessary but plans to reevaluate the need for a testing requirement in 90 days based on the COVID-19 situation at that time.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebook and  LinkedIn! 

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.