U.S. Lobbying Roundup: Which Travel Companies Spent the Most

Key Points

• Major travel companies and associations increased federal lobbying expenditures in early 2025, coinciding with Donald Trump's return to the presidency and a Republican-controlled Congress.
• Key issues driving lobbying included changes to aviation, immigration, labor, tariffs, and taxation policies, with organizations like the U.S. Travel Association and American Hotel & Lodging Association focusing on visa reform and workforce legislation.
• While most sectors saw increased spending, some companies like United Airlines and Boeing reported slight dips in lobbying expenses compared to 2024, while cruise industry spending remained flat.

Summary

In early 2025, many leading U.S. travel companies and trade associations ramped up their federal lobbying efforts, spending millions as the industry faced anticipated policy changes under a new Republican administration and Congress. Airlines, hotel chains, and online travel companies reported notable increases in lobbying expenditures compared to previous years, largely focusing on regulatory, labor, immigration, and economic issues. However, some companies, such as United Airlines and Boeing, scaled back their lobbying budgets, and cruise industry spending remained steady.