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The U.S. Travel Association is launching a national grassroots campaign to urge Congress to implement a trusted traveler program. Eighty percent of travelers surveyed say there should be a nationwide trusted traveler program that provides alternative screening measures at airports for American citizens who submit to background checks and meet other criteria.

"Travelers encounter too much hassle at our nation's airports, and it's time for Congress to act," said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. "A one size fits all approach to security is inefficient. If Congress implements a trusted traveler program, we'll see more Americans traveling – and that will create more American jobs.

"Travelers would take an average of two to three more trips a year if the hassle could be reduced without compromising security effectiveness."

According to the U.S. Travel Association these additional trips could add $84.6 billion in spending and 888,000 more jobs.

The "Be Trusted" campaign is a national grassroots campaign advocating Congressional implementation of a trusted traveler program. The campaign will include advertisements (see one example pictured above) in newspapers and airports, social media, events at airports, an advocacy website and toll-free number to connect travelers directly with members of Congress, and an online petition.

A trusted traveler program that utilizes true risk management is a key recommendation of U.S. Travel's recent report on aviation security. The recommendation calls for the creation of a tightly controlled enrollment program and re-verification process, a confirmation process at the airport that ensures only enrolled individuals are utilizing the trusted traveler screening lanes, and a checkpoint process that reflects the low-risk nature of the traveler.

Tom Ridge, former secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and co-chair of the U.S. Travel Association's Blue Ribbon Panel on Aviation Security said in the report, "We've been talking for years about establishing a screening system that takes risk into account. Creating a trusted traveler program is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to control the cost of aviation security."

The U.S. Travel Association is a national, non-profit organization representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.8 trillion in economic output and supports 14.1 million jobs. The U.S. Travel Association's mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.

(Photo credit - securitymanagement.com)

Marriott International, Inc. announced that Carl Wilson (photo top right), executive vice president and chief information officer at the company since 1997, will retire March 31. Bruce Hoffmeister, a 22-year Marriott veteran, will succeed him as Global Chief Information Officer on April 1.

Mr. Wilson was instrumental in managing the critical nexus between technology and business strategy as the company’s lodging portfolio grew to encompass 3,500 properties in 70 countries worldwide.

“Carl leaves an impressive legacy,” said William Shaw, Marriott International Vice Chairman. “He built Marriott’s information technology infrastructure as the company introduced Marriott.com and the industry’s first high-speed internet service to guest rooms.

"His leadership team consistently wins plaudits as one of the best IT functions. We will miss his wise counsel but are delighted that Bruce Hoffmeister will become our Global Chief Information Officer, accountable for all business technology resources.”

With more than two decades at Marriott, Bruce Hoffmeister (photo at left) brings a wide scope and diverse set of experiences to his new role. Currently Senior Vice President, IR Shared and Application Services, he has led the drive for sustainable efficiencies in the computing resources for Marriott’s worldwide operations. He also directs the company’s efforts to modernize key systems involved in sales and marketing, event and revenue management.

Hoffmeister began his Marriott career as a Senior Financial Analyst in the Development Finance department, and has held a wide range of finance and accounting positions across the company, as well as the role of Senior Vice President, Global Revenue Management, where he was responsible for developing and leading the company’s worldwide pricing, inventory management and selling strategies.