Thursday, June 20, 2024
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The United States is poised for significant advancements in travel security and facilitation. These developments, currently in progress through the efforts of the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel and the U.S. Travel Association, are expected to bolster the country’s competitiveness in attracting global travelers and reversing a sluggish recovery compared to other nations.
“It’s time for U.S. officials to make a leap forward and put available tools in place at U.S. airports and borders to securely facilitate millions of new inbound visitors,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “With the World Cup, the Summer Olympics and other milestones just ahead of us, a decade of major events is on the horizon, and we must be prepared to efficiently and securely process millions of travelers to fully realize the benefits of serving as a host country.”
During a recent visit to the U.K., the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, led by former Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan, collaborated with U.K. airports, airlines, and U.S. government officials to discuss travel modernization efforts. Commission representatives held meetings with key figures from London Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Edinburgh Airport, Virgin Atlantic, International Airlines Group, British Airways, and senior staff from the U.S. Embassy in London.
Preparing for the Future: U.S. Partnerships Drive Next-Level Travel Innovations
The U.S. is forging strong partnerships with the U.K. and other allied nations to push forward major advancements in travel security and facilitation. Commission members highlight several key initiatives that require federal government action, including:
- Removing restrictions on liquids and related items in carry-on bags.
- Expanding the One-Stop Security program to enable passengers and their luggage from select international airports to bypass redundant screenings upon arrival in the U.S. for connecting flights.
- Upgrading Preclearance at designated foreign airports to screen travelers before their arrival in the U.S.
- Utilizing biometrics to bolster security, enhance passenger experience, and safeguard privacy—from visa checks to customs inspections and passenger screenings.
- Overhauling the U.S. visitor visa process to meet the rising demand for travel to the United States.
Each of these measures is poised to enhance security and streamline travel processes.
A recent Euromonitor International survey placed the United States 17th out of 18 major countries in terms of global travel competitiveness. In response, the commission was established to explore ways the country can better compete for global travelers. Its objective is to develop a vision and propose policies to modernize the travel experience, boost U.S. competitiveness, and spur growth.
“With the Commission’s critical work nearing the mid-way point, security-based solutions that will give the U.S. a roadmap to best-in-class traveler security practices and grow our share of inbound travel is coming into clear focus,” Freeman said.
An upcoming report from the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel is anticipated to be presented to lawmakers and officials in Washington this autumn.
