US Travel appoints Helen Hill to its Executive Board, tasking her with shaping tourism strategy ahead of FIFA 2026, Olympics 2028, and America’s 250th anniversary.

Helen Hill, the President and CEO of Explore Charleston, has been appointed to the Executive Board of U.S. Travel, one of the nation’s most influential travel organizations. Additionally, she has been named Chair of the Nominating and Membership Committee, a key leadership position that will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the country’s travel industry.

The U.S. Travel Association is a $1.3 trillion industry powerhouse representing some of the most significant players in the American travel economy. Its executive board includes 30 top-level leaders from multinational hotel chains, major airlines, cruise lines, and key destination marketing organizations across the United States. Hill’s inclusion on the board signifies Charleston’s growing influence in the national tourism landscape.

Her appointment comes at a critical time for the travel industry, as the United States is working to solidify its position as the world’s premier travel destination. The U.S. Travel Association recently unveiled a strategic blueprint at a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., outlining major initiatives to enhance visitor experience, streamline travel logistics, and boost the U.S. economy through tourism.

Advocating for a ‘Golden Age of Travel’

Helen Hill’s leadership on the executive board aligns with U.S. Travel’s push for a “golden age of travel”, an initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility, improving travel infrastructure, and capitalizing on upcoming global events. As part of this movement, U.S. Travel has been urging the White House and Congress to implement policies that will ensure seamless travel experiences and prevent major disruptions such as:

• Massive Entry Delays – Addressing congestion at international airports and streamlining the visa and entry process for foreign visitors.
• Overwhelmed TSA Checkpoints – Advocating for enhanced security measures while ensuring efficient screening processes to reduce wait times.
• Frustrated Travelers – Improving airport infrastructure, public transportation, and customer service standards to make travel more enjoyable and hassle-free.

By championing policy changes and investments in travel infrastructure, Hill and her fellow board members are working to position the United States as a global leader in tourism innovation.

Preparing for Major Global Events: 2026 FIFA World Cup & 2028 Olympics

As the U.S. prepares to host some of the biggest international events of the decade, including:

• America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026 – Marking a historic milestone with nationwide celebrations expected to attract millions of visitors.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup – Bringing soccer’s biggest tournament to multiple U.S. cities, boosting sports tourism.
• 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles – Positioning the U.S. as a global sports hub with significant economic and tourism impact.

Helen Hill’s leadership within U.S. Travel will be instrumental in ensuring these events translate into lasting benefits for the nation’s tourism economy. These milestones are expected to generate billions in revenue, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and drive unprecedented international travel demand to the United States.

Helen Hill’s Impact on Charleston’s Tourism Growth

Under Hill’s leadership, Charleston has cemented its status as a top-tier U.S. travel destination. The city consistently ranks among the best travel destinations in the world, with accolades from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and National Geographic.

As CEO of Explore Charleston, Hill has:

• Elevated Charleston’s visibility on the global stage through strategic marketing and branding.
• Boosted visitor spending and expanded the city’s tourism-driven economy.
• Led sustainable tourism initiatives to balance economic growth with preservation.

Now, as she takes on a national leadership role, Hill brings her proven expertise and strategic vision to the broader U.S. tourism landscape.

U.S. Travel’s Blueprint for the Future

In addition to addressing travel accessibility and infrastructure, U.S. Travel’s executive board is focused on:

• Workforce Development – Strengthening the travel and hospitality labor force by promoting careers in the industry and ensuring fair wages.
• Sustainable Tourism – Encouraging eco-friendly practices and responsible travel development.
• Global Competitiveness – Enhancing the U.S.’s position as a top international destination through strategic investments and marketing campaigns.

As Chair of the Nominating and Membership Committee, Hill will be responsible for identifying and selecting the next wave of tourism leaders who will help drive these critical initiatives forward.

A National Leadership Role for Charleston’s Helen Hill

Helen Hill’s appointment to the U.S. Travel Executive Board is not just a win for Charleston—it’s a significant step forward for the broader U.S. tourism industry. With her experience, leadership, and vision for the future of travel, she will play a vital role in shaping the next era of American tourism growth.

As the U.S. prepares for once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities, from America’s 250th anniversary to the World Cup and Olympics, Hill’s role will be pivotal in ensuring a seamless, prosperous, and world-class experience for travelers.

With bold leadership, strategic vision, and national collaboration, Helen Hill and the U.S. Travel Association are setting the stage for an unprecedented travel boom—one that will redefine America’s place in the global tourism industry.

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