Summit 2009 Appointment Scheduling Closes on January 9th
Summit attendees go to http://www.rsana.com/marketplace/exchange/
to schedule your appointments now. The online system will only be available
until January 9th at which time your list should be finalized. Making your requests
is easy, just follow the online steps and you'll be on your way to a successful
Summit experience.
Supplier (associate) registrations submitted after January 5, 2009 will not be eligible to participate in the pre-scheduled appointments. Late registrants may attend all other scheduled events and participate in the Shop and Drop Sessions to schedule appointments on-site.
Visitors to the United States experience the Department of Homeland Security's US-VISIT procedures at visa-issuing points around the world and at our ports of entry in the U.S. US-VISIT is a part of the U.S. government's multi-layered security system that ensures travel is convenient and safe. The program uses biometrics, digital photographs and fingerprints, to establish and verify the identity of international visitors and protect against identity theft and document fraud. To enhance DHS's ability to ensure safety, US-VISIT is transitioning from a two- to a 10-fingerprint collection standard.
By the end of 2008, the equipment will be used in 10 airports. In November 2007, the equipment was put in place in Washington's Dulles Airport. In 2008, additional deployments to JFK, eight other U.S. airports will be using the 10-fingerprint scanners. To date, other airports where the equipment is being used include Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Boston’s Logan Airport. Additional airports preparing for use of the 10 fingerprint scanners are San Francisco International Airport, George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport, Miami International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Orlando International Airport.
To assist you in communicating this change, DHS’s US-VISIT program has developed a comprehensive suite of consumer friendly educational materials that inform international visitors about U.S. biometric-based entry procedures:
US VISIT Procedures Sign – 4 Step
US VISIT Procedures Sign – 5 Step
US VISIT Procedure Brochure
Visit http://128.121.255.54/orderform/ to order traveler pamphlets explaining biometric procedures for international travelers visiting the United States. Tri-fold pamphlets are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.
Educational Tool Kits in a CD-ROM format contain electronic versions of US-VISIT educational materials including images for your publications and Web sites, as well as materials that can be downloaded for distribution. These resources are available in multiple languages as well.
Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will being more customers to the U.S. tourism industry by facilitating leisure travel from China to the U.S. and permit U.S. destinations to market themselves in China. This historic industry event is forecasted to bring 579,000 customers to the U.S. tourism industry by 2011. The announcement occurred at the U.S. China-Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade and is expected to be implemented in the spring of 2008. On average, Chinese citizens spend more during their stay than visitors from other countries. In 2006, the average per visitor spending by Chinese citizens traveling to the U.S. was more than $6000.
Click below to view the following:
Press Release
MOU Q & A
MOU Fact Sheet
APPROVED - Strengthening and broadening the Visa Waiver Program - Changes in this legislation will allow more legitimate businesses and leisure travelers to visit the U.S. without visas while tightening security. This potentially could drive millions more visitors to the US annually, creating thousands of new American jobs and leading to billions in new spending
PENDING - The Travel Promotion Act of 2007 would establish the first-ever substantial and sustainable international U.S. travel marketing promotion program of potentially up to $200 million annually. The money would be co-funded by the industry and contributed to by a $10 fee paid by foreign visitors to the U.S. from Visa Waiver countries. A companion bill has been introduced by the House.
The NYC City Guide is now available for review! Click here to preview this exciting new publication which contains essential information for inbound tourists. Hard copies for distribution will be available soon through the RSAA office. To view an interactive online version of the guide, visit http://www.cityguideny.com/rsa/.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - Easy Reference Guide (pdf)
Guidelines for Carry-on and Checked Baggage
Latest Information on DHS Passport Requirements (pdf)
What is an e-Passport? (pdf)
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.
Helping receptive operators serve international tour companies through partnerships with North American suppliers.
Click here for benefits information and member application.