Travel Industry Fears New Rules Could Deter Visits to U.S.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sep. 2001 slowed domestic and international tourism, the US travel industry has struggled to regain its footing. Now, the Travel Industry Association of America, a group made up of the country’s largest airlines and hotels, is warning the government that new anti-terrorism laws could deter many US-bound tourists and further harm the American economy. The rules will require interviews for all international tourists who need visas. They will also mandate computer-readable passports and implement a fingerprint-based tracking system for foreign visitors. Although the association worries that tourists may head elsewhere rather than face the headaches and confusion of the new requirements, the US government insists it will maintain a balance between security and accessibility. –YaleGlobal