U.S. Travel Association Applauds Homeland Security's Commitment to Improve Entry Process for Foreign Visitors

On Monday, November 15, senior DHS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) representatives joined members of the travel industry, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and airline representatives to discuss specific steps to enhance America's welcome.

"Welcoming more visitors to the United States is critical to strengthening America's economy and achieving President Obama's goal of doubling America's exports over the next five years," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "The entry process has long been a concern of foreign travelers. With DHS’s support in Orlando, we can take tangible steps toward alleviating travelers' concerns and make America a more attractive destination."

Orlando International Airport is one of 20 airports designated as a "Model Port" by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2008. The Model Ports Initiative is a partnership between the federal government and the travel industry and is designed to improve the efficiency and welcome of the nation's international arrivals screening process. During the meeting, CBP informed the group of recent efficiency improvements it had made in queue management and baggage screening. Over the next several months, the private sector, with its hospitality and operations expertise, will provide CBP and TSA with recommendations in the following areas: signage development and placement, customer service, queue management, staffing models and the physical appearance of the inspection areas at the airport.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $704 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.