IPW 2023: Visa wait times impacting US inbound growth

Friday, 24 May, 2023 0

Nearly 5,000 attendees from more than 60 countries have gathered in San Antonio, Texas, for the 54th annual IPW

It is the premier international marketplace for inbound travel to the US.

IPW runs through May 24.

“It is indicative of the strong demand we are seeing for inbound travel to the US,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman.

It takes place at the Henry B. González Convention Center with 90,000 scheduled business appointments over three days.

IPW is held in Texas for the first time since 2000 in Dallas.

Attendees also included nearly 500 members of the international and domestic media.

In a Tuesday press conference, Freeman—in his first IPW leading the association—noted U.S. Travel’s efforts to address barriers restricting international inbound travel growth.

“We need to stay competitive; to see around the corners and anticipate challenges that weren’t on our radar five or 10 years ago.”

Freeman outlined several initiatives to boost visitor numbers.

These include lowering visitor visa interview wait times and addressing the entry delays at US Customs.

Brand USA returned as premier sponsor of IPW.

Next year’s IPW gathering is scheduled for May 3-7, 2024, in Los Angeles.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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