The Discover America Partnership unveiled its three-point plan, A Blueprint to Discover America, designed to reverse the decline in foreign travel to the United States. In response, ASTA’s President and…
The Discover America Partnership unveiled its three-point plan, A Blueprint to Discover America, designed to reverse the decline in foreign travel to the United States. In response, ASTA’s President and CEO Cheryl Hudak, CTC, stated, “ASTA applauds the commitment and undertaking by the Discover America Partnership to accomplish the difficult but vital goal of attracting foreign visitors to the United States while overcoming the negative perceptions of our entry process. This three-pronged plan addresses the heart of the deterrents–visa policy, entry policies and perceptions around the world.”
“Garnering consumer confidence and securing foreign travelers’ desire to visit the United States for business or pleasure is critical to the survival and growth of our industry–the travel suppliers whose services travel agents sell and the national economy whose vitality depends upon a thriving travel and transportation industry. ASTA believes strongly that significant efforts must be made to enhance the entry experience of foreign visitors to the United States and that that process begins long before they arrive at a U.S. airport,” added Hudak.
“Today, leisure travelers have choices of how to vacation, including the option to simply visit another country, something that in the long-term will have disastrous consequences for our industry and the economy. Business travelers, on the other hand, may have fewer options about whether to travel, but modern technology is providing new choices for them as well. It is essential that government security policies facilitate a balanced effect on the growth of travel demand. This plan puts forth just that effort, working to make the entry process more efficient and welcoming without sacrificing security concerns,” concluded Hudak.
“The Blueprint to Discover America plan is essential to make the United States accessible. No doubt, there are security issues that must be considered but as a leading member of the international community we need to see our policies reflect our position–a solution that is flexible, well-balanced, and fair,” said Tony Hughes, president and CEO, RADIUS-the global travel company, and chair of ASTA’s Corporate Advisory Council.
The plan, announced at a press event in Washington, DC, is based on three prongs: 1) to create a 21st-century visa system; 2) to modernize and secure U.S. ports of entry; and 3) to change international perceptions of the U.S. visa and entry systems through coordinated communications.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
