Hi, this is Bill Marriott. As the CEO of a global lodging company with more than 2,800 hotels around the world, I'm a big fan of removing barriers to global travel. I think having Americans visit other countries and having people visit the USA is our very best form of diplomacy. You just can't shake hands with an email or a fax.
Tomorrow, January 23rd, the United States Government implements new passport requirements, part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or what we call WHTI. It means that everybody traveling by air between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States.
Now certainly no industry is more aware of the incredible importance of security than the travel and tourism industry. We were brought to our knees by the terrorist attacks of 9/11. But we came back because people were determined to travel and not let the terrorists win. Our company lost two of our associates and our Marriott World Trade Center hotel went down, so we really do understand the importance of getting security right.
But getting security right doesn't mean we close our borders. I'm afraid, if it's not properly implemented and communicated, that WHTI could have a serious negative impact on legitimate commerce and tourism, as well as our diplomatic relationships with our two largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico.
This gets particularly complicated when you talk about extending the passport rules to people who drive across our borders. This will take place in about 18 months, so that anybody who crosses the borders by car will have to have a passport. But fortunately, Homeland Security is developing a pass card. It will cost half as much as a passport and they're working hard to get the technology right. The technology will be just like EZ Pass. You know, the EZ Pass on your car, when you go through a toll gate and you don't have to stop? Hopefully the pass card will work the same way. So hooray for Homeland Security. Let's hope they get it done and get it done on time and make it work easily.
From time to time I hope to speak out on issues like this that I think are important to our country and our industry. Immigration reform is another issue I'm passionate about and I'll talk about that another day. Meanwhile, thanks for your comments. As a busy CEO who travels a lot, I'm going to LA tomorrow. But please keep writing, because I'm listening, and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the Move.
I agree with Pat. This does nothing by hurt our economy by making it harder for regular law abiding travelers to come here.
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Posted by: JohnBenjamin | 08/09/2010 at 09:50 PM
First thing, very good blog.
Second thing, you said 'I'm a big fan of removing barriers to global travel.' Great but the rest of your comment don't go in this way.
Don't you think american need to be less paranoiaq to gain and earn a lot with the tourism ?
Regards
Posted by: Gwen | 05/11/2007 at 09:36 PM
This is just another example of the stupidity of the Bush administration, If a person or group wants to attack anyone, having a passport will not prevent them from doing so.
This need for a passport only puts an additional strain on our relationship with our neighbors and friends, and hurts our economy.
Posted by: pat vavala | 04/28/2007 at 02:26 AM
I have been searching these blogs for any reference to the government per diem rates that you allow government employees. I have submitted questions to Marriot's customer care, and so far it is pretty much just too bad. My question being, why do you not allow CRC contractors who are on government work the same rates? I take it you simply do not need the business? I know the statement we want to be sure that our governement and military get the proper rates and we only have so much availability. At least 3/4 of the government work done today is by contractors who are legally bound, and legally obligated, to government per diem rates. I am wondering why hotels such as Hilton's allow CRCs with proper documentation, and Marriott decides to crack down? It is very disappointing as these are my hotels of choice, but as a government employee who travels with my support contractors, I must be fair to them and try to stay at a fair hotel as we share cars and such. And no, contacting Business services would not work as my contractors companies change, and we do not travel to the same places all the time. I would like to know the rationale behind this restriction and why you feel you must do this, basically to our government and their workers?
Posted by: heidi | 04/23/2007 at 03:18 AM
I understand that Marriott has recently decided not to offer Gov't rates to Retired Military. Is this true? If so, is this in appreciation of our years of self-less service to our Country, or just another "lean business decision"?
Posted by: Lynny Sumner | 04/20/2007 at 06:52 AM
This volatility in the U.S. Policy make our bussines unstable!)
Posted by: rock.er | 01/25/2007 at 09:29 PM
IF the governments wants US-citizens to carry an ID when they travel, then it should be able to get one on short notice and for free.
In Belgium everyone has to carry an electronic ID-card (with a chip). It costs about 12 EUR and that's a lot if you take into consideration that it's something the government forces up on you.
Posted by: mc vpc | 01/24/2007 at 12:29 AM
Mr. Marriott, I really appreciate your blog today. I grew up in cleveland and it was not unusual for us to spend the weekend in Niagra falls or drive to Toronto. It was always a great last minute get away. I guess those days are over for now. Because the first thing everyone will have to do is get a passport and hopefully they are not in a hurry. Right now it's takes 4-8 weeks and soon I'm sure it will start taking a lot longer. I'm all for security but there must be easier way to keep the borders safe.
Posted by: Sam Holman | 01/23/2007 at 07:41 AM
Being a global organisation, why not open up the Dream Destination Sweepstakes to those that are non-US citizens?
Posted by: Mark | 01/23/2007 at 07:25 AM
Great topic to bring up, Bill. I agree that the WHTI will have an impact, but as one blogger pointed out, most people in the world are used to having to carry documentation and Americans will get used to the idea as well. An area of concern is the EZ pass approach to the pass cards. Won't this turn into a sham if you can electronically identify your self or your car. Sure you have a card, but who are you???
Thanks for providing this forum, Bill...
Posted by: Harry Hogan | 01/23/2007 at 07:04 AM
Bill,
Visiting other countries should be a goal everyone of us should have. I am a naturalized American and my observation is that the outlook of Americans who have traveled to other countries is totally different. They see the value of life in the US more as they now have a comparison. Families should visit other countries so that their kids can appreciate the things that they are blessed with. Of course while on their travels one thing will remain constant - the standards of Marriott hotels anywhere in the world.
Posted by: Shashi Bellamkonda | 01/23/2007 at 12:04 AM
Good luck with the Blog. When our son went away to college we visited him quite often because staying at the Marriot was home away from home. The staff were professional and friendly, it was like returning each time to a friend. The fall mega bonus was great, are you going to have a spring mega bonus? Maybe you should have one for all seasons, the only thing I may change is that it should start on the first night stay instead of the second night.
Posted by: S. Hannaway | 01/22/2007 at 09:33 PM
Mr. Marriott, it is great that you've taken the trouble to blog. It is nice to hear your perspective on things.
I have a few comments:
On WHT1, I think the main reason the new travel policy requiring passports is so hard on people is because they are so used to travelling with little or no ID. People overseas have had to get ID for years. Once people get used to needing passports or another form of identification, I'm sure it will be fine.
Beds: Thank you for standardizing the beds! Sometimes, my wife and I would check into a property and find the beds just hard as a rock, and other (most) times, they were fine. Now, it is good to know that there is consistancy. Among other things, we stayed at the Courtyard in Bristol, VA last spring and just loved the rooms. Nice decor, nice beds, very good atmosphere.
I see a few comments by some smokers. I can understand their frustration. I wish they would seriously consider how frustrated they would be if they were a non smoker and there was smoke at the entrance, smoke in the hallways, smoke coming in their room. It is their own decision if they choose to stay somewhere else but having them smoke away from others is the only fair thing to do. You do need to work a bit more on enforcement but please keep at it. I can tell you I go to great pains to tell people about your non smoking policy and I also try my best to get a Marriott room whenever I travel. Sometimes, it is hard due to your popularity. I've been staying at Marriott for a long time and expect to for the forseeable future. Thanks. B. Armstrong
Posted by: B Armstrong | 01/22/2007 at 06:32 PM
When will make a move to Guadalajara, Mexico. Over 4 million people are here...But not one Marriott property! I have inquired for years.
Posted by: Eric Nieman | 01/22/2007 at 09:24 AM
Hey Bill,
Thanks for your comments on WHTI. It is clear from your post that you feel that WHTI may have an impact on commerce and travel--but what would you suggest other than trepidations about these changes?
Would you have that an initiative for reform should come into play? What alternative would you suggest?
Thanks,
Rob
Posted by: Rob Banagale | 01/22/2007 at 08:03 AM
Bill, I can see how this will effect (negatively) the traveling industry, but if this measure will add even 3% of more security to U.S. citizens, I am all for it.
I don't have 100% of the information about this and thus can not state a strong opinion on the subject. If it makes people safe, let it be enforced.
P.S. By the way ... it's great to read a blog of a person who has a lot of knowledge to share with the younger businessmen such as myself.
It also helps your company as I am now more aware of your brand (as if I wasn't before, and still..). The beautifull picture that came with this post ... if this is one of Marriott's properties, I want to know where it is (I'd be glad to go there)
Posted by: Igor M. | 01/22/2007 at 07:43 AM
Because of all these security things I have decided to do my internship in Austria instead of the states. Ita just to much hassle to arrange a visa to work in the USA.
And being in the USA I would not feel comfertable with all the tight rules.
Just to much hassle to spend money in your economy.
But as Hotel it is important to have good security this not only for your property but mostly for the guest that needs to feel comfertable.
Posted by: Gerald Dijk | 01/22/2007 at 07:40 AM