Trump to Meet Airline, Hotel, and Cruise Executives Amid Industry Challenges

President Donald Trump is set to meet with senior executives from leading U.S. travel and hospitality companies on Wednesday to discuss key industry issues. The White House confirmed the meeting will include representatives from American Airlines (AAL), Marriott International (MAR), MGM Resorts (MGM), and Carnival Corp. (CCL).

A Sector of Contrasts

The meeting comes as the U.S. travel industry navigates a complex environment of strong domestic demand and weakening international interest. While the sector benefited from a summer tourism boost, partly driven by the FIFA World Cup held in the United States, significant headwinds remain a primary concern for industry leaders.

Recent data highlights this divergence:

• Travel spending in the U.S. grew 6.2% year-over-year in June, reaching $122.1 billion, the highest monthly figure in a year.
• In contrast, international arrivals to the United States fell by 5.5% in 2025, a trend that has alarmed the industry.

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Focus on International Travel Hurdles

Travel officials have attributed the slump in international visitors to several policy-related factors. Key issues expected to be on the agenda include extended wait times for visa interviews, which can deter potential tourists and business travelers.

Other challenges cited by the industry include the impact of stricter immigration policies, ongoing trade tariffs, and specific travel restrictions imposed on certain countries. Executives will likely seek to address how these policies can be adjusted to encourage a rebound in international tourism, a crucial source of revenue for the U.S. economy.