US travel industry concerned with new travel policy
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The US travel industry has raised concern about the compulsory implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) by the Department of Homeland Security.
The ESTA system is intended to eventually replace the paper form by collecting biographical information over the Internet from visitors from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Programme before they travel to the US.
Roger Dow, President and CEO of the US Travel Association said while the industry supports ESTA for its potential to improve security and increase convenience for travellers from visa waiver countries, there was concern many are not aware of ESTA or do not fully understand what it is. This could lead to situations where they may be turned away at airports for non-compliance with the new requirements, he said.
“This type of change in policy needs a sufficiently funded, robust communications campaign. Moreover, the programme lacks alternatives for travellers and travel agents without access to the Internet, or for individuals who have not filled out this authorisation to travel in advance of their arrival at the airport.”
Some two-thirds of overseas visitors to the US come from countries being affected by the new ESTA rules, Dow said. These international travellers spend on average US$4,000 per person, per trip.
“At a time when our economy is struggling, we cannot afford to deter legitimate travel to our country by fuelling negative perceptions that it is simply too complicated and difficult to travel to the United States for business or pleasure.”
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