US Travel on new Homeland Security airport requirements: The world must hear that we are open for business

US Travel Association Executive Vice President for Public Affairs Jonathan Grella issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s new security requirements for all airports with flights into the US:

“It is imperative that travel remain safe and viable. We’re glad stakeholder engagement is progressing, as these matters are complex, the stakes are high, and we want to be a constructive partner on security. It’s not just the travel and tourism industry that’s affected by any new restrictions—it’s our entire economy.

“Travel is the fundamental artery of trade and commerce for our country—and that artery is beginning to clog as a result of both perceived and actual security hurdles for travelers. We cannot push our travel system to the limit, or risk the unintended consequences of too heavy a burden on airports, airlines and travelers. We must ensure security at all costs, but our government also has an imperative to keep trade and commerce flowing.

“Once again, we urge the Trump administration to offset any limiting security messages and policies with a serious and sustained welcome message to legitimate travelers. The world must hear that we are closed to terror, but open for business.”