In a speech in Orlando today, the President expounded on how important increased travel is to the continued growth of United States’ economy.
Ken Chenault, Chairman and CEO of American Express comments: "The initiatives the President announced today will help to expand travel and tourism to the United States and recapture our share of a growing, global market."
"In our work on the President’s Jobs Council, we highlighted the potential in the travel industry for job growth, particularly as we take steps to attract more travelers to the United States. This industry is one of America's largest employers."
"The President’s initiatives, such as accelerating the review of visa applications and expanding the Visa Waiver Program, will ease travel to the United States, help the industry grow, and create American jobs."
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) applauded President Barack Obama’s decision to make the Global Entry program permanent. GBTA Foundation research has shown that business travel is a lead indicator for the economy.
The latest GBTA Business Travel Index™ suggests that spending on business travel will grow 4.6% in 2012, which bodes well for the continuing economic recovery.
According to GBTA Foundation research, international outbound travel has been a highlight of growth over the last several quarters, and the Global Entry program will help ensure that continues, as the process of clearing customs on return to the United States is made more efficient.
“President Obama’s speech echoes many points GBTA has made over the years and we are pleased to see travel as a focal point in our national dialogue,” said GBTA executive director and COO, Michael W. McCormick.
“The administration’s decision to expand the Global Entry program will make international air travel far more efficient for today’s business travelers. GBTA is proud to have supported this program from its inception and hope it serves as an example for the expansion of the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck program.”
President Obama also discussed how the administration’s plans to reduce wait times for visas in countries like China and Brazil. GBTA has recently launched GBTA Brazil, to expand the organization’s ongoing commitment to globalization.
GBTA is a strong supporter of the Visa Waiver Program. In comments on testimony submitted last month to the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Immigration Policy and Enforcement Subcommittee, McCormick said:
“International business travel continues to be one of the few growth areas of our economy. Expanding the Visa Waiver Program will allow more inbound international travel which will be a tremendous boost for the economy. There has never been a more important time to make it easier for business travelers which will ultimately lead to even more travel. Expanding this program is a win for the U.S. economy.”
