Nicole Porter joined the U.S. Travel Association in 2021 and serves as Vice President of Political Affairs, where she leads the development and execution of all grassroots and political engagement strategies. In this role, she drives nationwide advocacy efforts that mobilize industry voices to bolster U.S. Travel’s advocacy efforts.

Nicole oversees TravelPAC and the Travel Action Network, two cornerstone programs that educate policymakers on the economic, social and diplomatic importance of travel. Under her leadership, U.S. Travel has raised more than $2 million since 2021 to support the industry’s political engagement in Washington. 

She also leads major national advocacy initiatives, including Travel Works, U.S. Travel’s cross-country tour showcasing travel’s $2.9 trillion economic impact and Destination Capitol Hill, the industry’s premier legislative fly-in that welcomes nearly 500 industry advocates to Washington each year.

Prior to joining U.S. Travel, Nicole spent nearly seven years at the National Retail Federation (NRF) where she was Senior Director, Political Affairs & Advocacy. In this role she served as a key political strategist, responsible for leading and developing advocacy and grassroots programs supporting NRF’s public policy goals, also overseeing NRF’s fundraising for political programs.

Prior to NRF, Nicole was a campaign fundraiser for over a decade working with clients ranging from presidential, federal and statewide candidates.

Speaking Topics

  • U.S. Travel's advocacy agenda.
  • Grassroots advocacy and political engagement strategy (supporting targeted efforts that advance our policy priorities and make a meaningful impact).
  • Engaging locally and nationally on policy to build influence in Washington and beyond with coordinated advocacy and coalition partnerships.
  • Exploring the $2.9 trillion power of travel as an economic engine and how advocacy helps drive growth, jobs and community investment nationwide. 



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