CONTACT:       

Caleb Tiller, +1 703-684-0836, ext. 138, ctiller@nbta.org

Nicole Hayes, +1 703-684-0836, ext. 133, nhayes@nbta.org

Alexandria, VA (March 10, 2010) -- The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) – the leading association for the global business travel industry – today applauded the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement about the designation of Greece as a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), establishing a partnership that will enhance security standards and facilitate the efficient travel into the United States for Greek citizens.

NBTA Executive Director & COO Michael W. McCormick said, “Corporations in both Greece and the United States can rejoice in Greece’s acceptance into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Visa-free travel is imperative to facilitate effective international travel, enabling the free flow of commerce and economic growth.”

NBTA has been a long-time supporter of the VWP, urging the inclusion of Greece since talks between the two countries began more than two years ago. With members in more than 30 nations and regional affiliates based in Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Europe, and Mexico, NBTA understands the importance of hassle-free business travel to the United States for foreign travelers. 

McCormick added, “Forming information-sharing partnerships with foreign nations is paramount to homeland security and traveler safety. We applaud DHS for enhancing this vital risk management program and look forward to the addition of more counties in the near future.” 

The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and corporate meetings organization. NBTA and its regional affiliates – NBTA Australia / New Zealand, the Brazilian Business Travel Association (ABGEV), NBTA Canada, NBTA Europe, NBTA Mexico, and NBTA USA – serve a network of more than 17,000 business travel professionals around the globe with industry-leading events, networking, education & professional development, research, news & information, and advocacy. NBTA members, numbering more than 5,000 in 30 nations, are corporate and government travel and meetings managers, as well as travel service providers. They collectively manage and direct more than US$340 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually on behalf of more than 13 million business travelers within their organizations. For more information, visit www.nbta.org