GBTA Praises Bill to Increase International Business Travel

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement can be attributed to Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO, following yesterday's introduction of the JOLT Act (Jobs Originating through Launching Travel) by  U.S. Representatives Joe Heck (R-NV) and Mike Quigley (D-IL).

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"Opening U.S. markets to more international business travelers is exactly what our economy needs.  The JOLT Act – Jobs Originating through Launching Travel – will reduce cumbersome travel restrictions that slow down international commerce. As international business travel becomes easier, faster and even more secure, trade between U.S. businesses and their international customers and partners will grow. Millions of face-to-face business meetings around the world drive increased corporate revenues, expansion efforts, and jobs creation.  Accommodating last-minute but invaluable business travel to U.S. is essential in today's extremely competitive global marketplace.

GBTA urges strong bipartisan support for the JOLT Act and other government policies to facilitate international business travel – a solid investment in the nation's economy.  Under the Act, countries that offer tremendous business opportunities, including Brazil - the world's sixth largest economy with a projected $35 billion business travel market in 2013, could become eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.  Eligible Brazilian business travelers can make last-minutes business trips to the U.S. without a visa rather than pursuing commercial opportunities elsewhere. Likewise, reducing delays for processing visa applications in other countries translates into greater growth opportunities for U.S. companies.  We commend Representatives Heck and Quigley and other members of Congress who support these reforms."

About the Global Business Travel Association

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings organization. Collectively, GBTA's 5,000-plus members manage over $340 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA provides its network of 21,000 business and government travel and meetings managers, as well as travel service providers, with networking events, news, education & professional development, research, and advocacy. For more information, visit gbta.org

SOURCE Global Business Travel Association

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