Politics of Travel Two Stepping on a Train through Europe

Its July 28, the 2023 GBTA Convention is coming fast, but honestly not fast enough, because I am ready to 2-step! As it’s the end of Summer, I will be taking a little break from publishing the Politics of Travel. Please don’t email me with comments such as “this is nothing new” or “another break? What are you, a member of Congress”, I know I just restarted the Politics of Travel, but don’t fret I will return to share pictures and random videos.

I will be near the Registration Desk on Sunday and Monday (August 13-14) talking about how you can help GBTA’s Government Relations efforts. Please stop by and say howdy.

DALLAS CONVENTION/GLOBAL ENTRY: GBTA’s continued partnership and commitment to improving passenger facilitation for travelers have led us to offer GBTA convention attendees the chance to renew or enroll in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program. CBP officers will be at the Global Business Travel Association Convention in Dallas, to conduct in-person enrollment interviews for CBP’s Global Entry program. View all details >>

UNPLEASANT RECURRING DREAMS: Much like Real ID in the U.S., Europe’s plans for requiring the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to enter the region has long been discussed but plagued with delays. The plan, though no details or timelines have been announced, other than a date change to 2024, was propelled into the news because of a social media post by former President Trump. The EU has been formally discussing implementation since 2017, just saying.

At some point in 2024, people from over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US and Canada will be required to have a travel authorization to enter most European countries.

ETIAS, much like the U.S. required ESTA is linked to a traveler’s passport. ETIAS is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The cost is expected to be around 7 euros – roughly equivalent to $8 or 10 CAD.

WATER, RAIL: GBTA continues it’s push for a robust plan to improve the experience of travel buying in Europe. In 2020 the EU initiated the Multimodal Digital Mobility Services (MDMS) proposal to change the legal framework for multimodal travel information, booking and ticketing services. The vision of the MDMS Regulation was focused on making travel for European citizens simpler and greener and the transport system more competitive. Among the many Green Deal policies, it offered the rare case that would not restrict consumer’s behaviors but rather offer more convenience and choice. Unfortunately, its just getting harder to do bold things. The EU is contemplating a scaled down version. GBTA will continue the fight for a robust proposal with meetings in the Fall and continued outreach.

RESORT FEES: Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced legislation to require anyone advertising a hotel room or a short-term rental to clearly show upfront the final price a customer would pay to book lodging. This is in line with President Biden’s call in February to go after “Junk Fees”. GBTA will be following this issue to see if it advances. QUESTION FOR BUYERS – do resort fees impact your travel budget?

Thank you for checking in today. Until next time!