Senate Embraces Need to Welcome More International Travelers

New 9/11 Bill Strengthens America's Security, May Improve Travel Process for Millions

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. October 14, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC, March 14, 2007. The U.S. Senate yesterday passed positive reforms to America's travel process as part of legislation 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 percent decline in overseas travel to the U.S. since September 11, 2001.

"We applaud the U.S. 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. "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."

Specific reforms included in S.4, the Improving America's Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 that was drafted by Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME), include:

o Expanding the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to include a greater number of countries that meet stringent security criteria upon the implementation of a reliable "exit tracking" system at U.S. airports, an initiative spearheaded by Senator George Voinovich (R-OH);

o Establishing "model ports" at America's top 20 international arrival airports -- including instructional videos, enhanced line management and assistance for foreign travelers upon arrival, offered by Senators Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Ted Stevens (R-AK); and

o Hiring at least 200 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to alleviate staffing shortages, drafted by Senators Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Ted Stevens (R-AK).

Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) were instrumental in the passage of these important reforms.

"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. "These changes, if signed into law, will create more jobs, economic growth and improve America's image around the world."

While this 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, including:

o Developing an International Registered Traveler program;

o Requiring the U.S. State Department to report to Congress on the resources it requires to process visa applicants in 30 days or less;

o Providing the U.S. State Department with the ability to conduct video conferencing and "mobile" consulate operations;

o Introducing customer service techniques at the nation's airports; and

o A global promotion program to more clearly explain U.S. policies and the nation's desire to welcome more visitors.

"In a bipartisan manner, Congress is finally recognizing the important economic and diplomatic contributions of travel to our nation. The passage of these reforms in the Senate is a first step to finding the right balance between secure borders and open doors," said Jonathan M. Tisch, chairman of TBR and chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels. "But for the U.S. to remain a competitive destination, our policymakers must also go one step further and recognize the need to ensure that international visitors feel welcome upon arrival."

The Partnership looks forward to working with Congress to build on this momentum and implement these, and additional, reforms in the coming weeks and months.

The importance of international travel is reflected in countless studies showing that those who have visited America have more favorable opinions of the country and are more likely to support U.S. policies. Moreover, an increase of 10 million more visitors annually could create 190,000 jobs, $16.5 billion in new spending and nearly $3 billion in new tax revenues.

The Discover America Partnership - launched in September 2006 by some of America's foremost business leaders, as well as hundreds of travel industry leaders - is an aggressive, Washington, D.C.-based, advocacy campaign designed to educate policymakers on the power of travel; highlight the unnecessary obstacles to welcoming more visitors; and, through extensive research, determine how the US can better compete for international visitors. More information on the Partnership can be found at www.poweroftravel.org.