The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) praised the announcement made today by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that it is expanding the Model Ports Initiative to 18 more of the nation's largest gateway airports.
The program, which was first implemented at George Bush Intercontinental in Houston (IAH) and Washington Dulles International (IAD), is designed to simultaneously improve border security and the experience of visitors entering the United States.
NBTA President & CEO, Kevin Maguire, CCTE, said, 'The entry process is the first experience, and is therefore an important part of how visitors perceive any country. By expanding the Model Ports of Entry program, CBP will improve visitors' experience and make the Unites States a more attractive place to visit and do business.'
NBTA has been an active supporter of Model Ports since the program's inception, and made 'Aggressive implementation of the Model Ports of Entry Program by CBP' one of its top recommendations for 2008 in its 2007 Business Travel Government Affairs Report Card and 2008 Recommendations.
Maguire added, 'CBP's announcement today that it will expand Model Ports to cover the nation's 20 largest airports is a major victory for NBTA and for the global business travel community.'
