Travelmole Q&A with Roger Dow, CEO and president of the Travel Industry Association of America

Q. What affect will events have on the US travel industry?

A. The travel industry is on the front line and strives daily to balance security and hospitality. History has shown that travellers are very resilient; they continue to travel no matter what the challenges are and quickly adjust to new requirements. We anticipate that travellers will maintain their plans and that the economy and industry will remain strong.

Q. What do you say to travellers who are upset with the increased security? Do you think it has gone too far?

A. The travelling public has shown that it understands the heightened concern and is willing to accept increased security measures for the time being. While a threat remains, it is appropriate that governments, airports, airlines and passengers are on heightened alert. Working in partnership, the travel industry and government are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure secure travel. We join President Bush, Secretary Chertoff and Attorney General Gonzales in encouraging people to maintain their travel plans.

Q. How will this affect the US as a destination for international travellers? Given the steps taken both in the past few days and in the past five years, will people view America as unwelcoming?

A. The safety and security of our visitors is of the utmost importance to the travel industry but we feel we can accomplish both security and have the welcome mat out. Newly heightened security requirements make it more important than ever to implement the “Secure Borders, Open Doors” initiative introduced by Secretaries Rice and Chertoff as soon as possible. We are confident that international travellers will maintain their plans and appreciate the added security.

Q. How can the American travel industry play a role in improving foreign attitudes towards America?

A. TIA is helping to build a new environment where travel is seen as an opportunity to extend public diplomacy. Experience has shown that encouraging people to visit the US is one of the most successful ways in which to counter negative attitudes. When individuals travel to America and meet everyday Americans, they can experience their values and cultures first hand.

Q. Do you maintain your belief that security is too burdensome?

A. The travel industry is the single greatest advocate of effective security measures. We applaud the current measures and will continue to work with the government to ensure “secure borders, open doors.”

Q. What lessons can be learned?

A. The events of the past week remind us that world intelligence-gathering is more effective and coordinated than ever to keep us safe.

Q. What is the likely longterm impact on travel of regulations and procedures?

A. We must establish workable solutions that facilitate easy of entry with American hospitality while maintaining security-first priority. We very much see ourselves as partners with the Administration in helping to keep America moving, and stand ready to work with them to implement effective security policies. TIA encourages travellers to be patient as the entire system adapts to new requirements.