Today I want to give you an update on an issue I've blogged about. It's the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. This past January, the United States government started implementing new passport regulations. U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from destinations in the western hemisphere, like Canada and Mexico, had to present a valid passport. For those who don't know, here's what happened when it went into effect:
Millions of Americans applied for their passports. But our government wasn't prepared and they were quickly overwhelmed. The phones at the passport offices were jammed by angry people who'd spent thousands of dollars for their vacations and couldn't get their passport.
But recently, the government made a wise decision and I'm certainly glad they did. Americans caught in the backlog, who haven't yet received their passports, can now present proof that they've applied for one. That flexibility will remain in effect through September 30. The government has the next few months to deal with the backlog and get the process back on track. Let's hope they do, and I'll be watching.
In the meantime, I want to remind you of my position on the issue. The travel industry is acutely aware of the importance of securing our borders, and so is Marriott. We lost a hotel on 9/11 in New York when our World Trade Center hotel was destroyed. And we lost two of our associates who were trying to help and protect our guests. But the government needs to strike a balance between security and the flow of goods and people so this initiative doesn't have a serious impact on legitimate commerce and travel.
If we aren't careful, we could also damage our diplomatic relationships with Canada and Mexico who happen to be our two largest trading partners. I think having Americans visit other countries and having people visit the U.S.A. is our very best form of diplomacy. Let's hope our government agrees and keeps taking steps to get it right.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Your information is timely and accurate. I do remain concerned at Marriott hotels outside the US when they photocopy one's picture passport. I truly see no reason for this practice particularly when one also signs a blank credit card receipt.
Posted by: Mike Gonzalez | 10/30/2007 at 07:23 AM
Mr. Marriott,
Excellent points. But shouldn't most folks know to get a passport when they leave the country? It's not hard to get and we all have had two years to get ready for this. I agree with you on the governemnt needing balance and it seems there should be more official passport offices who can help lighten the load on our hardworkng folks at the State Department.
Posted by: Fred Paynter | 07/27/2007 at 09:48 AM
Bill, Thank You for taking the time to past this information on. Please have a Great Day.
Posted by: Ronald Cisco | 07/27/2007 at 05:03 AM
Bill,
Very good points about the problems with the travel initiative. It did not affect me personally, but I heard lots on the news about this fiasco.
On a separate topic, I enjoyed the piece that Nightline did about you a few weeks ago. I'm impressed with your hands-on approach. I also enjoyed the post that you did at OnFaith a month or two ago.
I am very interested in beginning a small business of my own to help hotels measure guest satisfaction. I'm sure that Marriott currently does something along these lines, but if you are interested, please contact me. j.ashman@juno.com
Posted by: Jim | 07/26/2007 at 11:04 AM