The U.S. Travel Association today commended a joint effort between Loews Hotels & Resorts and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to promote the Trusted Traveler Network, which incorporates the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Global Entry and the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) PreCheck programs.
"Americans will see travel become more efficient thanks to smart public-private partnerships like that announced today by Loews Hotels & Resorts and DHS," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "Secretary Napolitano and Jon Tisch are to be commended for providing travelers with an option that lessens hassle, expedites traveler facilitation and maintains safety. I urge others in our industry to follow this example and implement similar programs."
Loews Hotels is offering its YouFirst Platinum loyalty rewards members complimentary enrollment in Global Entry. Global Entry allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. U.S. citizens with Global Entry membership are automatically qualified to participate in TSA's PreCheck program.
"Partnerships are integral to the way we do business as a brand," said Jonathan Tisch, chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts and chairman emeritus of the U.S. Travel Association board of directors. "Our collaboration highlights the importance of the public and private sectors working together to improve hospitality for all our guests, whether that be at our hotels or traveling through an airport."
TSA's PreCheck is a pre-screening initiative that makes risk assessments on passengers who voluntarily participate prior to their arrival at the airport checkpoint. Passengers approved for the program may be referred to a lane where they will undergo expedited screening, which could include no longer removing shoes, 3-1-1 compliant bags, laptops, light outerwear/jackets or belts.
The U.S. Travel Association's Blue Ribbon Panel Report of March 2010 recommended TSA implement a trusted traveler program, much like today's PreCheck.
The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.9 trillion in economic output and supports 14.4 million jobs. U.S. Travel's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.
Visit www.ustravel.org.
