WASHINGTON (June 12, 2018)—U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President Jonathan Grella issued a statement on a New York Times report on President Trump's assurances that his visa policies would not affect participants and spectators at prospective FIFA World Cup events in the U.S. in 2026:
"Major events are a magnet for tourism and job creation, which is why competition to host them is so hotly contested. We applaud the president for embracing visa policies that support tourism and business objectives, which hold clear value for U.S. job creation and our trade balance—not to mention our standing on the world stage. The president's assistance with the U.S.'s 2026 World Cup bid is a signal that he is fully committed to spurring GDP and job growth."
