Video: WTTC Chairman on Why a Global Trusted Traveler Program is a Smart Idea
Photo Credit: Skift Forum Europe featured speakers who are shaping the future of European travel. Pictured are Gerald Lawless (left), chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council and Rafat Ali, Skift founder and CEO, during the forum. Skift
Skift Take
Having a global, visa-free block of countries might sound idealistic. But many countries have made progress with liberalizing their visa systems in recent years and a worldwide trusted traveler program isn't out of the question in the future.
When politicians in different regions threaten to get rid of visa-free travel, tourism hangs in the balance and potentially suffers. That's why Gerald Lawless, chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), feels that a worldwide trusted traveler program could help all countries and travelers get on the same page about visas.
Imagining a global visa-free block like Europe's Schengen Area might be difficult given global security threats and political turmoil around the world. But some regions are getting closer to such a system, Lawless told Skift founder and CEO Rafat Al
