Anthony Capuano said the delays in processing first time applicants and wait times for interviews are leading to lost revenue because of reduced US inbound tourism.

Speaking during an annual meeting run by the US Chamber of Commerce, Capuano said reducing visa wait times – particularly for those countries "that have the potential" – would be "the most impactful" move the Biden administration could make to boost the US travel sector.

"I had a chance to talk with the commerce secretary [Gina Raimondo], and we talked about the fact that in some countries the average wait times right now exceed 400 days," Capuano added. 

His comments come after the US Travel Association welcomed 32 travel industry leaders who were appointed to the US Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB).

The appointees will advice Raimondo on how government policies affect the travel and tourism industry and offer counsel on current and emerging issues to support the industry’s growth.

Key policies that, according to the group, require "significant focus", include lowering the "excessive" visitor visa interview wait times, modernising the air travel system and deploying infrastructure dollars to improve the travel ecosystem.

Last month, the association hailed a series of major wins for the country’s travel sector, including the Omnibus Travel and Tourist Act.