In the far-reaching wakes of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, residents, businesses and travel industry colleagues in several states across the southeast United States, including North Carolina and Florida, have been working to recover. If you're wondering how to stay informed and be part of the effort, even from afar, keep reading.
A new wave of senior talent has been added to the U.S. Travel Association team following the announcement of three new hires. The additions arrive as the association readies a bold agenda, new membership structure and refined value proposition.
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association—the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural tourism in Native Nations and communities across the U.S.—and the National Tour Association have announced the organizations have entered a reciprocal cooperation agreement to build awareness of Native Nations and their travel products among NTA's community of travel professionals.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would provide federal agencies with necessary flexibility to begin enforcement of the REAL ID regulations on the May 7, 2025, deadline in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact.
This proposed rule seeks to ensure that federal agencies, including TSA, are well positioned to begin enforcing REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025. The proposed rule does not extend the REAL ID deadline. Instead, it would allow TSA to consider a phased enforcement approach to REAL ID implementation. Travelers without a REAL ID compliant ID or another form of acceptable ID after the May 7, 2025 deadline could face delays at airport security checkpoints.
"TSA is engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "REAL ID provides an important security enhancement, and this rule allows us to plan for a range of scenarios to help minimize the potential impact to travelers, industry stakeholders and states during implementation."
The REAL ID Act, which was enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation, established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers' licenses and identification cards for the purpose of boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, accessing certain federal facilities and entering nuclear power plants. Identity verification is foundational to security. Enforcement of the REAL ID Act and regulations enhances TSA's ability to accurately verify a traveler's identity document.
For more information on REAL ID, please click here.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
