The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has warned that any reduction in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations or staffing at major U.S. airports could make entry into the United States slower and more difficult for international travelers, hurting business travel, tourism and the broader U.S. economy.
In a statement, Suzanne Neufang, CEO, Global Business Travel Association, said, “In light of the U.S. Administration’s consideration of changes to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at certain airport ports of entry—including the withdrawal of CBP officers from major gateway airports—the Global Business Travel Association is expressing serious concerns about the potential implications for international travel into the U.S. and the resulting impact for the U.S. economy overall.
“Efficient, reliable, and secure entry into the U.S. is foundational to both leisure and business travel. Disruptions to CBP operations could create delays, uncertainty and congestion at critical entry points into the U.S. These challenges would have cascading effects across business activity, international commerce and supply chains that depend on the seamless movement of people and goods.”
The statement further added that policies that create hurdles at the border could discourage travel for meetings, events and investment opportunities, potentially causing the U.S. to lose its competitive edge.
It noted that business travel depends heavily on predictability and confidence in the travel experience.
“Business travel, in particular, depends on predictability and confidence in the travel experience. GBTA’s latest economic impact data shows that international inbound business travel spending in the U.S. represents $50.7 billion annually, supporting jobs, investment and economic growth across the nation,” the statement said, adding, “Policies that introduce friction at the border could discourage travel to the U.S. for meetings, events and investment opportunities—at a time when global competition for international travelers and business activity is intensifying. The U.S. cannot afford unintended consequences that limit its accessibility or competitiveness.”
The statement also said, “Maintaining efficient and secure border operations must remain a top priority. This includes ensuring adequate CBP staffing levels, leveraging trusted traveler programs and advancing modernized screening processes that facilitate legitimate travel while upholding strong security standards. GBTA has consistently raised concerns about policy changes affecting entry requirements—including recent ESTA-related proposals—emphasizing the importance of carefully evaluating potential impacts on global mobility and economic growth.”
“GBTA urges the U.S. Administration to assess the real-world impacts of these changes on travelers, businesses, the aviation system and the U.S. economy as a whole. Policies must protect national security while ensuring the U.S. remains accessible, competitive and open for business,” the statement concluded.
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