The international traveling public increasingly perceives that
myriad new security rules are creating a “Fortress America.”
They have noted the increase in visa fees, new visa interview
requirements and growing visa denials.
They are also aware of machine-readable passport deadlines, the
future use of biometric identifiers in U.S. visas and Visa Waiver
passports, collection and use of advance passenger information, or
API, along with the soon to be implemented US VISIT entry-exit
system that is scheduled to begin at U.S. airports and seaports in
2004.
By and large, these new rules and requirements make sense from a
homeland security perspective, and the Travel Industry Association
and the U.S. travel industry support efforts to enhance national
security.
But for many prospective international visitors, wave after wave
of new travel requirements paints a ‘big picture’ that the United
States is becoming a destination that is too difficult to enter,
too expensive to visit and simply not worth the effort. ...
Perception has become the new reality, and even in countries
where there are relatively few barriers for travel to the U.S.,
this negative perception has resulted in lost business for the
United States.
Again, we must have enhanced U.S. national security as well as
growth in travel and tourism and the overall U.S. economy. These
goals are not mutually exclusive, and we can and must have
both.
Excerpts from Senate testimony on U.S. visa policy late last
month by Jose Estorino, senior vice president of marketing for
Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, on behalf of
the Travel Industry Association of America.
