US travel reforms a major effort to attract international tourists
The US Senate passed reforms to America’s travel process to help security but encourage dwindling numbers of foreign travelers to the country.
The legislation is part of measures designed to strengthen the nation’s security by implementing concepts included in the 9-11 Commission Report. These improvements, consistent with the proposals outlined in the Discover America Partnership’s Blueprint, demonstrate an increasing desire on Capitol Hill to reverse the nearly 20% decline in overseas travel to the US since 2001, according to Discover America.
“We applaud the US Senate for striving to fix a flawed travel system,” said Stevan Porter, chairman of the Discover America Partnership and president, the Americas of InterContinental Hotels Group. He added: “Striking the right balance between security and travel facilitation is critical as international travelers are at the heart of America’s economic security and public diplomacy efforts.”
The measure includes expanding the Visa Waiver Program to include a greater number of countries that meet stringent security criteria upon the implementation of a reliable “exit tracking” system at US airports.
Another part of the legislation establishes “model ports” at America’s top 20 arrival airports, including instructional videos and enhanced assistance for foreign travelers on their arrival.
“This bill shows that it is well within America’s reach to be both more welcoming and more secure,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resort as well as the Travel Industry Association.
Discover America said that while the Senate’s action is the most significant effort post-9/11 to improve the travel process, many more improvements are necessary to regain the 60 million travelers lost over the past five years. Those improvements include developing an International Registered Traveler program and requiring the US State Department to report to Congress on the resources it requires to process visa applicants in 30 days or less, among other measures.
“In a bipartisan manner, Congress is finally recognizing the important economic and diplomatic contributions of travel to our nation,” said Jonathan Tisch, chairman of TBR and chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels.
The National Business Travel Association has endorsed the bill.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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