Hilton Worldwide Welcomes Expedited Travel for U.K. and U.S. Citizens
Expanded Global Entry and Registered Traveller programs will enhance
travel experiences and business opportunities between the key markets of
the U.K. and U.S.
WASHINGTON & LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) applauds the United States Customs and
Border Protection Commissioner and the United Kingdom Border Force for
their announcement to expand the Global
Entry system to U.K. citizens. It complements the ability for U.S.
citizens to now apply for the U.K.’s trusted traveler program, Registered
Traveller.
For nearly a century, Hilton has advocated for its founder Conrad
Hilton’s goal of “world peace through international trade and travel”
based on the belief that travel leads to greater cross-cultural
understanding and prosperity. Travel and tourism now contributes more
than 9% of global GDP, with international travel set to nearly double to
more than 2 billion people over the next two decades*.
Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer of Hilton
Worldwide, said, “In a highly competitive global marketplace, we applaud
efforts by the U.S. and U.K. governments to improve the travel
experience between these two world-class destinations, which will
benefit a significant number of our guests.
“Today, technology is changing the way we travel and smart visa programs
like Global Entry and Registered Traveller significantly expedite the
customs process, while maintaining border security. Those governments
who develop smart visa programs will benefit most from what is a huge
economic opportunity.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner (CBP) R. Gil Kerlikowske
announced the expansion of Global Entry to U.K. citizens today at the
World Travel Market in London. Global Entry, a CBP Trusted Traveler
Program, allows for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk
travelers. U.K. citizens can register for Global Entry beginning
December 3.
U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for the U.K.’s trusted traveler
program, Registered
Traveller. Members enrolled in Registered Traveller may use E-gates
at airports in the U.K.
Hilton Worldwide is a strong supporter of smart tourist visa policies
that facilitate travel opportunities and has recently given its support
for enhancements to programs in the European Union, the U.K. and the U.S.
The company also calls on the U.S. government to approve a
similar agreement with Taiwan to expand the benefits of Global Entry to
more cross-border travellers.
*Source: UNWTO World Tourism Barometer
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company,
spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and
resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 96
years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition
of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of
twelve world-class global brands is comprised of more than
4,500 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare
properties, with more than 745,000 rooms in 97 countries and
territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels &
Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio – A Collection
by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden
Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by
Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an
award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors
members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access
to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital
amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading
Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their
room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com
for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at facebook.com/hiltonworldwide,
twitter.com/hiltonworldwide,
youtube.com/hiltonworldwide,
flickr.com/hiltonworldwide,
and linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.
Contacts
USA CONTACT
Megan Ryan
megan.ryan@hilton.com
+1
703 883 6711
or
UK CONTACT
Jules Kerby
jules.kerby@hilton.com
+44
7966 893697
