"US Addresses Visa Delays to Boost Travel Recovery Amidst International Tourism Slump"

The US is struggling to recover its international tourism industry, with arrivals and spending still significantly below pre-pandemic levels. Visa processing delays, high hotel rates, and customs and TSA wait times are among the obstacles discouraging travelers from visiting the US. Meanwhile, rival destinations like Canada, the UK, and the EU are aggressively soliciting tourism and making themselves more accessible. The US travel industry is not expected to recover until 2025, resulting in billions of dollars of lost spending and jobs. Politics and concerns about safety are also impacting decisions to book events and conferences in the US.