WASHINGTON (September 30, 2015)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement on the Senate introduction of the JOLT Act, which would expand and enhance numerous programs that address the security, efficiency and volume of inbound international travel:
"The U.S. travel community unambiguously praises this legislation, which identifies and implements valuable enhancements to inbound travel from Canada, trusted traveler programs, and the Visa Waiver Program.
"Inbound international travel is already the No. 3 U.S. export, annually supporting more than one million American jobs, but that record of success is only possible because of the smart policies we have in place. Two-thirds of international visitors arrive in the United States through the VWP, and every time a new country is added, we see visitation by its citizens skyrocket. Moreover, we do not achieve this by simply waving people across our borders: the VWP is overwhelmingly praised by experts as an enormous boon to national security, as well.
"This legislation would further sharpen America's security and competitiveness in the booming global market for business and leisure travel. Its provisions will send a powerful worldwide message that the United States is serious about security, but welcomes legitimate international visitors whose spending benefits destinations across the United States.
"We thank and congratulate the Senate cosponsors of the JOLT Act for working to enhance both national and economic security, and we look forward to working together to enact the JOLT Act this session."
To learn more about the Visa Waiver Program click here.
