GBTA Supports DOC, DHS Plan to Improve Inbound Air Travelers’ Experience

Alexandria, VA (February 13, 2015) – Responding to the Department of Commerce (DOC) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report, “Supporting Travel and Tourism to Grow Our Economy and Create More Jobs: A National Goal on the International Arrivals Process and Airport-Specific Action Plans,” Michael W. McCormick, Executive Director and COO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) issued the following statement:

“GBTA welcome efforts by the Department of Commerce and Department of Homeland Security to improve the arrivals experience at airports for international visitors. Today, 15% of international visitors come to the U.S. on business trips, and as the U.S. economy grows this number will increase. Shorter lines, more efficient processes and better service all send a clear message: the U.S. is open for business.

Today’s report underscores that fact that failing to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security could have serious, unintended consequences for business travel, an industry that is expected to account for $310.2 billion in spending during 2015.

GBTA calls on Congress to work together to fund DHS, which supports the movement of people, goods and services throughout our transportation system.”

CONTACT: Colleen Lerro Gallagher, +1 703-236-1133, cgallagher@gbta.org
Gayle Kansagor, +1 202-295-8775, gayle.kansagor@harbourgrp.com

About the Global Business Travel Association
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA’s 9,000-plus members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. To learn how business travel drives lasting business growth, gbta.org