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Members and Visitors
Thank You! A big thank you to everyone for making the 2010 RSAA Summit such a huge success. From the educational sessions to the marketplace to the networking opportunities the RSAA Summit was the place to be for anyone in the international inbound industry. We hope to see you again next year in New York City.
Gala photos and speaker presentations can be found here.
ESTA Compliance Now Required
On the one-year anniversary of implementing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminds U.S.-bound travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries of the ESTA requirement.
ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that all citizens of VWP countries must obtain prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. ESTA has been mandatory since Jan. 12, 2009 for all nationals of VWP countries traveling to the United States under the VWP. The requirement does not affect U.S. citizens returning from overseas or citizens of VWP countries traveling on a valid U.S. visa.
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, generally will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations are valid for multiple entries into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans.
VWP travelers are required to log onto the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and complete an on-line application. The web-based system prompts applicants to answer basic biographic and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form; ESTA is expected to completely replace the paper I-94W in the coming months. A third party, such as a relative, a friend, or a travel agent, may submit an application on behalf of a VWP traveler.
The ESTA web site is available in 21 languages: Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish.
Beginning January 20, 2010 CBP initiated a 60-day transition to enforced ESTA compliance for air carriers; VWP travelers without an approved ESTA may not be allowed to board a U.S.-bound plane.
There are print-ready PDFs of several ESTA advertisements available for your use. DHS/CBP has several advertisement options that can be used in specific markets across the United States or abroad. All ads are branded only with the ESTA program and can be easily adjusted to include your organization’s individual brand. If you are interested in utilizing these advertisements, please contact Laurel Smith at Laurel.Smith@dhs.gov, or at 202.344.1582.
ESTA Frequently Asked Questions:
ESTA Fact Sheets (in language):
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/travel/fact_sheets/
For more information about ESTA, please visit www.cbp.gov/ESTA.
Haiti Earthquake Relief
RSAA’s members, board and staff are truly saddened by the recent events in Haiti. We urge everyone to take a few minutes to find ways that you can help. The American Red Cross has a number of programs which are assisting the area. Also, the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund is another great way to give. Let’s remember our Haitian neighbors in their time of need.
Travel Promotion Act Update
Update - The Senate version of the Travel Promotion Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on October 7, 2009. The colloquy described below was included on the House floor. The bill still faces a couple of procedural votes in Congress. It was expected that the bill would pass Congress by the end of 2009. That did not occur. The bill is still before Congress and could be brought back for a vote at any time.
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In the last few days there have been new developments with the Travel Promotion Act. As you probably know, the Senate bill passed a few weeks back. A separate bill had been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Delahunt earlier in the year. RSAA had reached an agreement with USTA on the inclusion of language that would allow for a tour operator seat on the board of the corporation, limits on website advertising and other measures. The pertinent congressional offices have reacted favorably to those additions to the House bill.
However, with all things in Washington, there is now a twist. The leadership of the House and Senate has decided to put the Travel Promotion Act on the fast track. This is being done so that the measure can be passed before the International Olympic Committee makes its decision on Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games. In order to fast track the legislation, the leadership is suggesting that the Senate bill be brought over to House and introduced unchanged in that body. If this occurs then the points agreed to by RSAA and USTA will not be included in the new bill.
Our two organizations are working very closely to ensure that our concerns will be addressed and implemented. RSAA and USTA will be initiating a joint colloquy that will be introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives and included in the congressional record. This colloquy will define the agreement on the tour operator issues and provide the “intent” of the Congress to the board of the Corporation for Travel Promotion. Further, our agreements and RSAA will be included in the “game plan” meetings and documents that USTA are providing to the Department of Commerce which will oversee the Corporation for Travel Promotion.
While we would have preferred that the initial plan progressed we are convinced that this is the best course of action moving forward. RSAA would like to continue to thank its partners, especially American Tours International, for their efforts during these proceedings.
NYC Occupancy Tax Update
Recently the New York City Council and Mayor approved a law that will expand taxation on fees, markups, etc. on "resellers" of hotel rooms within the city. The law also requires registration by resellers with the city.
RSAA, in conjunction with several travel trade organizations, has written to the mayor urging that the tax be repealed. A copy of RSAA's letter can be found at this link (NYC Letter).
You are encouraged to send your comments to the mayor's office via fax to 212-788-8123. Please copy RSAA Headquarters on any communication you send to the mayor's office by emailing them to headquarters@rsana.com.
RSAA is continuing to work with its industry colleagues and New York City representatives to address the new remarketer tax that is in effect as of Sept. 1. In the meantime the city has issued a memorandum on the new law as well as registration forms for hotel operators and remarketers. The memorandum can be viewed here and the registration form is located here. The city has also released an important audit report that can be found here. RSAA encourages all members who conduct hotel business in New York City to discuss this issue with your tax professional to determine applicability.
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Update:
In the closing weeks of 2009 many of the major online travel agencies and several groups filed suit against New York City because of this tax. RSAA is closely monitoring the outcome of the law suit and its ramifications on the receptive tour operators.
International Visitor Shopping Survey
Taubman Center and Shop America have released their International Shopping Traveler Study to the public. Did you know that the average international visitor to the U.S. spends $1,063 per person shopping and that Nike is the most popular brand for international visitors? See more details of the survey here.
What's New?
Guidelines for Carry-on and Checked Baggage
Latest Information on DHS Passport Requirements (pdf)
What is an e-Passport? (pdf)
Connect with RSAA on Facebook and Twitter
 
RSAA Is...
RSAA is a national non-profit trade association whose members include major inbound visit USA receptive tour operators and suppliers (lodging companies, transportation companies, destinations, attractions, restaurants, etc.) from across the country. These receptive tour operators contract with overseas tour wholesalers to provide tourist services throughout the United States for their groups and FIT travelers from abroad.
RSAA Mission:
To connect, educate and promote professionalism, defining the worldwide standard of the U.S. inbound travel industry.
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