For Immediate Release
26 July 2005

ACTE Launches Traveller Security Task Force In EMEA

Paris, France (26 July 2005) -- The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) announced today the creation of an EMEA Traveller Security Task Force. ACTE's Traveller Security Task Force will work on issues such as privacy, passenger safety, and other related-legislative concerns as they arise.

"Traveller security is one topic that requires a concerted global approach," said ACTE President Greeley Koch. "Privacy, airport integrity, identification procedures, and traveller safety are subjects that extend far beyond national borders. The contribution of this task force cannot be disputed, especially as the EU and the US continue to work toward new agreements and regulations pertaining to passports, visas, identification procedures, and data bases. Other concerns like hotel safety are likely to be addressed as well."

The seven members of the EMEA Traveller Security Task Force are Pamela Martin, Director, Business Development, ATP International, UK; Vitold Horodecki, Global Travel Team, Hewlett Packard, France; Steve Maier, Global Accounts Manager, Amadeus, Spain; Jean-Pierre Remy, President du Directoire Expedia Corporate Travel Europe, France; Bernard B. Harrop, Director for Industry Affairs, American Express, UK; Spencer Hanlon, Managing Director, AirPlus International, UK; and Kjeld Krogh, Group Controller, Inter-IKEA, Belgium.

Some of the task force's initial objectives are to identify the most pressing critical security issues and the most appropriate responses, strengthen ACTE's role as a key constituent and information/research resource to governmental organisations, monitor EU and U.S. legislation proposals regarding the use of passengers' information, serve as a liaison between ACTE members and EU legislators keeping both parties informed, provide information to regulatory and professional groups who share common interests with ACTE membership related to travellers security, and solicit ACTE members' input and suggestions regarding the implementation of the EU - U.S. policy on transportation and border security.

Both the EU and U.S. Traveller Security Task Forces will work in coordination and focus on providing statistical analysis and feedback to governmental organizations in Europe and the U.S. on issues ranging from the implementation of electronic passports to the rollout of the International Registered Traveler program. For more details see the ACTE Traveller Security Task Force homepage at http://www.acte.org/initiatives/TravellerSecurity_EMEA.shtml.

For more information, please contact:

Jack Riepe
Global Communications Director
Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
Tel: 1-610-719-8396
Mobile: 1-610-256-0124
E-mail: [email protected]

Stanislas Berteloot
Regional Director EMEA
Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
Tel/Fax +33 1 60 19 39 07
USA line direct 1-201-399-2274
Mobile + 33 6 80 40 40 56
Email: [email protected]