Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association says these are concerning times for the United travel industry.
‘In the last year global travel grew by 10% but into the USA international visitation declined by 5%. We’ve heard the concerns – some are valid, others are misconceptions and others are actually untruths.’
Freeman says the industry banded together to resist a US Customs and Border Protection request to be able to collect social media information and family details for travellers from countries (such as New Zealand) that require ESTAs.
‘This is the USA and just because a government agency asks to be able to do something doesn’t mean it will happen. We asked the industry to speak up and that’s what they did. The CBP received more submission on this issue than they ever have before. We have succeeded in delaying that policy at the very least and if it does come to the table we believe it will be vastly different to the one that was initially proposed.’
Answering a question on recent Federal Government shutdowns, Freeman described them as ‘embarrassing and harmful to the credibility if the United States.
‘We are working hard to ensure that TSA and air traffic control personnel are exempt from any future shutdown. Legislation inthat has been introduced but there is still a way to go’.
He says despite the valid concerns there are also positive stories , including 5000 new customs officer to expediate procedures at the border, improving and adopting biometric systems at airports for exit and a US12.5 billion investment to improve the nation’s air traffic control network.
‘The concern I hear most often is that people are worried about being detained at the border or having their device searched. I have seen the headlines, however the percentage of travellers entering the US who have had their devices searched under the Trump administration is exactly the same as under the Biden administration.
Brand USA move to combat misperceptions
Brand USA has launched an initiative entitled Get Facts. Get Going, providing updated information on visa and entry policies, fees, and more, specifically to combat misperceptions.
Brand USA President and CEO Fred Dixon at U.S. Travel Association’s IPW trade exchange in Fort Lauderdale in Florida targeting leisure tourism. The announcement comes as the USA is readying to host significant major events beginning next month, including the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the Route 66 Centennial.
Technological improvements including Mobile Passport Control and expanded Trusted Traveler programmes like Global Entry are making the entry process more seamless than ever before,’ Dixon addss. ‘We want to bring that to the forefront alongside our new resource, Get Facts. Get Going. so visitors can travel with confidence to the USA.’
Brand USA says misperceptions about visa requirements, entry procedures, fees such as visa integrity and national park pricing, and screening policies have created confusion among some international travelers
‘We want international visitors to know that we are open for business and warmly welcome them,’ Dixon says.
