President Unveils New Initiatives In Orlando, FL

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato (pictured) issued a statement Thursday supporting President Barack Obama’s announcement of new initiatives to increase travel and tourism in the United States. He also sent a letter to President Obama commending these initiatives.

“ACI-NA and our member airports welcome the President’s announcement of initiatives to promote the United States as a destination, streamline the visa process, promote and expand the Global Entry Program and expand the Visa Waiver Program," he said.  "These are good first steps in increasing travel and trade to the United States, which will help boost economic growth and create jobs.”

Principato continued, “ACI-NA has long advocated for exactly these kinds of steps including implementing international trusted traveler programs, like Global Entry, and enhancing the visa process.  We look forward to continuing to work on these issues with the appropriate Departments and agencies.

We are very pleased that the President announced that the Secretary of Commerce has appointed Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Aviation, to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.  We know that Commissioner Andolino will provide valuable expertise and ideas for facilitating travel and tourism. We encourage the interagency Task Force to include ACI-NA and U.S. airports in their outreach to private industry as envisaged by the President.”

President Obama unveiled the initiatves in Orlando, FL, on Thursday. Tourism is a major player in the state's economy, and there is that matter of 27 electoral votes which will be in play in November.

FMI: www.aci-na.org