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The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) – the largest association of business travel professionals – sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano about concerns with full implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Because many travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) remain under informed or unaware of ESTA requirements, the association urged Secretary Napolitano to ease enforcement of the program and enhance communication efforts.
Kevin Maguire, CCTE, GLP, NBTA President & CEO, said in the letter:
NBTA has been a strong proponent of the successful campaign by DHS to expand and strengthen the Visa Waiver Program. In these uncertain economic times the ability of business travelers to conduct business with the United States is crucial to job creation and economic recovery. Barriers that make the U.S. a less attractive place to travel will have real impacts on the economy.
With the January 13, 2009, deadline for use of the ESTA program by VWP travelers having passed over three months ago, we remain concerned that ESTA is not yet ready for full application. In particular, we understand that approximately 15% of VWP travelers fly today without a valid ESTA. Until DHS ascertains why these travelers are not learning of the ESTA mandate and implements a plan to reach them, enforcement flexibility is necessary.
As DHS considers when current enforcement protocols should be changed, we again urge DHS and CBP to not only inform air carriers, but also to reach out to the broader business and travel communities to receive the same message in a format that can be communicated to the traveling public and those who are responsible for arranging their travel.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
