IITA chairwoman and chief operating officer of America 4 You Lena Ross says two important clarifications for group tours have emerged.
‘First, NPS confirmed that the America the Beautiful Non-Resident Annual Pass (US$250) may be used to cover the international visitor fee for up to four visitors aged 16 and older traveling as part of a commercial group tour. Second, while tour operators cannot yet purchase passes in advance, they may buy them on site at the first park visited, and NPS is working toward an advance-purchase solution.’
She is urging the trade to stay in close contact with US inbound operator partners for new developments.
Ross says a new year brings both optimism and reality.
‘This year’s reality includes real challenges for the U.S. travel industry. But if there is one thing this industry knows how to do, it’s face challenges head-on, together.
She says it is also important to address recent media reports about visa processing that have caused uncertainty within the international travel trade. Recent US government actions affect only immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas—including visitor, business, student, and exchange visas—remain unchanged.
