Economists and Policymakers Urge Immediate Aviation Security Reforms - Traveler Confidence Linked to Economy, Security at Roundtable Discussion
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 23 / The nation's top economists and policymakers outlined the need for immediate security reforms in our nation's commercial aviation system during a roundtable discussion earlier this month. Panelists urged Congress to focus on real security improvements, including increased passenger, employee and baggage screening, technology advancements, and coordination with law enforcement and intelligence bodies.
"Economics of Recovery", which took place October 10, 2001 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, was organized by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) and Andersen as a forum for debate on the value of travel in the U.S. economy. While the panelists debated the necessity and effectiveness of the airline bailout and various economic stimulus proposals proposed since the tragedies of September 11th, all agreed that measures to increase traveler confidence should be a priority.
"Addressing the safety concerns of travelers is critical to getting them back in the air and on the road," said Marianne McInerney, Executive Director of NBTA. "Congress and the President should work together to immediately implement the security reforms outlined by the Department of Transportation Task Force as a necessary step to getting travelers back in the air."
Roundtable panelists, including Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Martin Regalia of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Clifford Winston of the Brookings Institute, and Peter Greenberg of NBC's Today Show, recounted their experiences with lax or unregulated airport security and expressed concerns about the lack of truly effective security measures. Panelists focused on the real reasons for the decline in travel since the terrorist attacks and the most effective solutions to address the problem.
"Economic stimulus could prove effective in mitigating economic concerns due to the attacks. However, if traveler apprehension is the real issue, airfare discounting and tax incentives will be ineffective," stated Michael Dyment, Andersen partner focused on aviation. "We need to understand that a decline in consumer and business travel will have a deep and long-term impact on our nation's economy and, therefore, take steps to prevent that from happening," he concluded.
For a full transcript of the roundtable proceedings, please contact Allison Marble at NBTA.
The National Business Travel Association, established in 1968, represents over 2,400 corporate travel managers and travel service providers. NBTA members manage and direct more than 70% of expenditures within the business travel industry. NBTA is committed to the professional development of its members and offers educational and training opportunities. It is the source for critical information on the business travel industry.
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SOURCE: National Business Travel Association