Key Speaker

The Honorable Mike Carey

U.S. Representative (OH-15)

Discussion Summary

On August 13, 2024, U.S. Representative Mike Carey met with over 20 travel industry leaders in Columbus, Ohio during U.S. Travel’s signature ESTO conference to discuss the tangible impact that travel has on the region and its businesses. 

The group addressed multiple industry priorities during the discussion, including the need to lower U.S. visitor visa wait times–particularly for first-time applicants, which currently exceeds over 280 days on average in key markets–as well as reducing wait times for travelers at U.S. Customs at gateway airports.

The group also noted the need to permanently expand the H-2B worker visa program, especially in support of small and seasonal businesses that depend on temporary workers during peak travel seasons and beyond.

Attendees

  • Tori Barnes, EVP, Policy & Public Affairs, U.S. Travel Association
  • Kevin Boyce, President, Franklin County Commissioner, Franklin County
  • Amir Eylon, President & CEO, Longwoods International
  • Geoff Freeman, President & CEO, U.S. Travel Association
  • Kari Kaufman, Chief Destination Experience Officer, Experience Columbus
  • Tracy Kocher, President & CEO, Travel Butler County, Ohio
  • Doug Kridler, President and CEO, The Columbus Foundation
  • Matt Maclaren, Director of Travel and Tourism Policy, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
  • Traci Martinez, Managing Partner, Squire, Patton, Boggs
  • Ken Paul, Executive Director, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority
  • Nicole Porter, Vice President, Political Affairs, U.S. Travel Association
  • Brian Ross, President & CEO, Experience Columbus
  • Jessica Sullivan, Director of Strategic Alliances, Experience Columbus
  • Ken Wilson, County Administrator, Franklin County

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