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US Travel Association proposes visa policy reform
13 May 2011
The US Travel Association has launched a plan to make America more open and welcoming to visitors by reforming its visa policies.
A report released by the organisation suggests that the nation's 'antiquated' visa process often drives international travellers to other countries.
If the system is updated, it could create 1.3m new jobs across America and add $859bn (£527.1bn) to the economy by 2020, according to the research.
The main proposals in the US Travel Association's plan are to increase staffing, reduce wait times for visa interviews and expand the Visa Waiver Program.
Roger Dow, the association's president and chief executive, said: 'As a nation, we're putting up a 'keep out' sign.
'The United States imposes unnecessary barriers on international visitors, and that inhibits our economic growth. If we institute a smarter visa policy, we can create 1.3m US jobs.'
Countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and France are currently included in the US Visa Waiver Program, but visitors from these nations are still required to gain approval for their trip through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
A report released by the organisation suggests that the nation's 'antiquated' visa process often drives international travellers to other countries.
If the system is updated, it could create 1.3m new jobs across America and add $859bn (£527.1bn) to the economy by 2020, according to the research.
The main proposals in the US Travel Association's plan are to increase staffing, reduce wait times for visa interviews and expand the Visa Waiver Program.
Roger Dow, the association's president and chief executive, said: 'As a nation, we're putting up a 'keep out' sign.
'The United States imposes unnecessary barriers on international visitors, and that inhibits our economic growth. If we institute a smarter visa policy, we can create 1.3m US jobs.'
Countries including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and France are currently included in the US Visa Waiver Program, but visitors from these nations are still required to gain approval for their trip through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
Opodo cheap flights, hotels and car hire - let the journey begin!
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