Bush backs legislation to make US more welcoming to visitors
President Bush has signed legislation designed to send a more ‘welcoming message’ to international visitors to the US.
Being hailed by the US travel industry as ‘the most significant travel reform since 9/11’, the legislation contains a provision to strengthen and expand the Visa Waiver Programme.
This will allow more legitimate business and leisure travellers to visit the US visa-free.
There are plans to enhance security through an air exit tracking system, increased information sharing between nations and other controls.
The legislation will also ensure a more ‘efficient and welcoming’ arrival at the country’s top 20 overseas inbound airports through queue management and welcome videos.
An extra 200 US Customs and Border Protection officers will be drafted in to help alleviate excessive wait times at these airports.
“This is the most significant travel reform since 9/11 and sends a clear message to our friends around the world that we want them to visit and they will have a positive experience when they arrive,” said Roger J. Dow, president and chief executive officer of the Travel Industry Association of America.
“We thank President Bush and all of the Congressional leaders who have worked tirelessly to pass this legislation.”
A TIA spokeswoman said it would take a few years for all of the provisions to be put into place.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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