U.S. Travel Welcomes Panama to Global Entry Program
First Central American Nation to Join the Highly Successful Program that Makes Visitor Screening More Efficient and Secure
WASHINGTON - November 22, 2013 - U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow issued the following statement Thursday applauding Panama's inclusion in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) Global Entry program, which expedites screening for pre-approved, low-risk travelers:
"Panama's historic membership in the Global Entry program strengthens America's trade ties and relations with an important Central American ally," said U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow. "Access to Global Entry will allow visitors from Panama to enjoy a better, more memorable experience in the United States, and be more inclined to visit again - all while strengthening security at U.S. ports of entry.
"Inbound international travel is America's No. 1 services export, and so expansion of the proven Global Entry program directly benefits the U.S. economy and job creation. The U.S. travel community warmly welcomes Panama and looks forward to further Global Entry expansion."
In addition to expanding Global Entry, U.S. Travel is asking Congress to provide the resources necessary to hire at least 3,500 new CBP officers for U.S. gateway airports. This investment would make the entry process more secure and efficient, better enabling the U.S. to realize its goal of welcoming 100 million additional international visitors per year by 2021, which would add $250 billion to the U.S. economy.
Contacts:
Cathy Keefe, (O) 202-408-2183, (C) 703-899-7031
Chris Kennedy, (O) 202-218-3603, (C) 202-465-6635
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $2.0 trillion in economic output and supports 14.6 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit www.ustravel.org.
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