Security must be about common sense, not paperwork, says TQ3
Business Travel Show 2004 Special: Business travel leaders have called for a common sense approach to security as the US looks to step up its screening of airline passengers. TQ3 Solutions chief operating officer Toby Joseph told the Business Travel Show the industry needs to unite to ensure draconian security measures are not introduced. His comments came amid growing concern that the US will soon start demanding to see passenger information not contained in passports – a move that would create enormous problems for both Travel Management Companies and travellers. The US may also want visitors to indicate, at the time of booking, where they will be staying when they arrive, something business travellers often don’t know until the last minute. Mr Joseph said: “Common sense must prevail. There is no argument that we all want increased security but at what cost? There must be sanity not stupidity. “We are going to see a large amount of paperwork,” he added. He said there should be no need for some airlines to ban laptops or use only plastic cutlery on flights. “It is one of then biggest challenges we face,” he said. Earlier, Institute of Travel Management chairman Tom Stone said security, while vital, should not be “invasive and ineffective.” Meanwhile, looking ahead to 2004, Mr Joseph predicted there will be fewer global players in the industry as consolidation continues. He said there was a good place in the market for niche players. Report by Steve Jones
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