DHS Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector Douglas A. Smith and CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino

CHICAGO, May 1, 2012 - Want to increase international tourism to Chicago? 

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector Douglas A. Smith co-hosted a meeting with Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino on ways the public and private sector can better work together to increase international tourism to Chicago.

They met with a group of about 30 people including representatives from American Airlines and United Airlines; the Chicago Business Travel Association; Cruise Chicago; DePaul University; the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago; Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), Mesirow Financial; North Michigan Avenue Association; as well as representatives from the CDA, City of Chicago, DHS, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Board Protection (CBP).

Topping the discussion was expediting access through customs processing and security checkpoints. The Global Entry trusted traveler program, which Smith and Andolino noted is being underutilized, could save international travelers, including corporate travelers, a great deal of time spent in customs processing. Smith and Andolino encouraged participants in Monday's meeting to "spread the word" about the program and encourage their members and associates to sign up for Global Entry. "We want to figure out how to increase awareness," Smith told meeting participants. "We're all in this together."

Smith's tour stems from an executive order signed by President Obama in January 2012 that announced a number of tourism industry-related reforms, including making it easier for international visitors to more efficiently travel to and enter the U.S. 

Andolino is one of 32 members of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board appointed by Commerce Secretary Bryson the same day the President signed the order. The Board, which plays a critical role in advising Secretary Bryson on ways to strengthen the industry, expand business opportunities and create jobs, is committed to carrying out the President's mandate. The President also strongly encouraged the public and private sector to work together to make travel to the U.S. more attractive, which includes working with the private sector to get ideas on how to enhance the traveler experience and grow tourism and tourism-related jobs.

To learn more about Global Entry, a voluntary program that allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States express processing using a simple kiosk rather then waiting in line for processing by a CBP Officer, click here. There are 10 Global Entry kiosks at O'Hare International Terminal 5.

Smith and Andolino also discussed with the group TSA's Pre-Check program, which allows pre-screened passengers to use a specially designated security checkpoint to get through security more quickly. Pre-check is now available to approved American Airlines passengers at O'Hare and is expected to be offered soon by additional airlines at O'Hare later this year. Global Entry members are automatically eligible to for Pre-Check privileges.