The US is patting itself on the back for improving customer service at customs, faster service at airport checkpoints and speedier visa processing.
The improvements are noted in a White House progress report on the country’s national Travel and Tourism Strategy.
The report, released by the Departments of State and Homeland Security, outlines the administration’s efforts to boost the $1.4 trillion dollar travel industry in the US.
Highlights of the report include:
– Expansion of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The Department of Homeland Security is currently working with other Federal government agencies to boost the number of travellers from VWP countries, including the UK.
– Visa wait time is down, with 88% of applicants worldwide interviewed within three weeks of submitting applications. In key markets like Brazil, consular officers have brought wait times down by 98%.
– 1.5 million travellers have been enrolled in the Trusted Traveler or Expedited Screening Program. DHS processed 500,000 more Global Entry passengers in 2012, compared to the same time in 2011. South Korea joined the other 40 countries currently participating in the programme.
Alongside the report, the White House also announced a travel and tourism "Listening Tour" which will bring administration and cabinet officials to cities across the US to "listen" to small business owners, travel and tourism officials and other key stakeholder organisations on the state of the travel industry in America.
Additional details on the tour will be released soon.
by Gretchen Kelly, Editor TravelMole USA
