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Loews in Major Homeland Security Deal The hotel brand is picking up the tab for certain travelers to join the increasingly popular Global Entry and Pre?programs. Monday, September 24, 2012 Glenn Haussman

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Loews Hotels & Resorts Chairman Jonathan Tisch is steadfast in his desire to increase travel within and to The Unites States. And though his hotel company has only 18 properties he has been one of the most vocal in the entire hotel industry to promoting the benefits of travel and the economy.

Now he’s taking leadership yet again with a first ever of its kind joint efforts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to offer Loews Hotels’ most frequent customers entry into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry and the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Pre✓™(pronounced ‘pre check’) programs.

At Hotel Interactive we think this is a great way to help educate the general public of the great new programs out there that make going through TSA security check points a lot less painful. In fact, we’ve been downright effusive regarding the amazing Pre✓program that essentially rolls back airport security protocols to the days before September 11, 2001 for those enrolled. (Here what we had to say about it back in April after I got enrolled in the program and experienced the bliss of going through security quickly and conveniently while keeping my laptop in my travel bag and all my clothes on: TSA Pre Check Big Hit). Global Entry speeds entry times back into the United States for those who registered for the program.

The program will initially target Loews Hotels’ approximately 2,500 YouFirst Platinum loyalty rewards members with complimentary enrollment in the Global Entry program during the next 60 days, which automatically gets travelers into Pre✓. Loews is picking up the $100 application fee for those guests.

“Our nation’s security and prosperity are linked together. At the Department of Homeland Security we take seriously the commitment of security and passengers while facilitating lawful travel. By learning more about travelers by the information they provide and combine it with other layers of security we can focus more on travelers we know least about. Collaboration with private partners is essential for [programs like this to succeed,] said U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano during a press conference this morning.

“This is a collaboration we are excited about because it is a public private partnership. Travel and tourism is critical to the nation’s economy with $2 trillion in U.S. output,” said Tisch. “Tourism is finally being recognized as a key driver of our nation’s economy. Secretary Napolitano knows travel means business and policies directed at travel and tourism can make this a top travel market. We understand travel does not start when [guests] check in, but when they leave home. “

He added that industry and government must collaborate to make the travel experience easier while also being cognizant of the need for heightened security while at the same time providing a foundation for open doors. He feels this programs helps achieve that goal.

Since all people approved for the program must go through an extensive background check including an in person interview, it allows the government to remove vetted ‘trusted travelers’ from more stringent security procedures resulting in happier travelers and allowing the government to focus efforts on those they don’t already know.

“These programs expedite the travel queue and gives us the opportunity to redirect resources to focus on those we know little or nothing about to target higher risk travelers,” said David Aguilar, Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “For every 33 passengers, one job is created. Every 747 that lands creates 14 jobs. We are truly appreciative of this partnership and collaboration.”

Paul Whetsell, CEO & President of Loews Hotels & Resorts said he personally enjoys the benefits of the program and by offering access to Global Entry and Pre✓programs will give the company a competitive edge. “We spend a lot of time working to satisfy the ever increasing demands of the traveler, this helps with that cause,” he said.

Global Entry is a CBP program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers upon arrival in the United States. Using an automated kiosk, travelers scan their passports and fingerprints, answer the customs declaration questions using the kiosk’s touch screen and proceed with a receipt to the exit with the whole process taking approximately a minute to complete.

TSA Pre✓ is an expedited domestic screening initiative that is expanding to airports across the country. Implementing a key component of the agency’s intelligence-driven, risk-based approach to security, TSA Pre✓ enhances aviation security by placing more focus on pre-screening individuals who volunteer to participate to expedite the travel experience.