The United States Postal Service has agreed to
partner with the Caribbean Tourism Organization to make applying for a U.S.
passport at CTO-organized events quick and convenient.CTO has taken this necessary leadership role in approaching the USPS to establish a
partnership to ensure that prospective Caribbean vacationers are not left stranded
because they do not possess the required documentation to travel to paradise
starting in January 2007.

The partnership helps to address the new U.S. regulation requiring all travelers
entering or re-entering the United States starting December 31, 2006 to be in
possession of a valid passport. 

“We see this partnership as a crucial ingredient in our nationwide efforts to inform
consumers about the need to get passports before the December 31, 2006 deadline set
by the U.S. government,” said Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the
Americas, adding: “We support the U.S. Postal Service efforts and appreciate all
that they plan to do to help inform and sign up consumers for U.S. passports.

“With the deadline fast approaching, we don’t want to jeopardize the peak vacation
season next winter when vacationers will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. without
a valid passport.”

The USPS has been actively promoting their passport services around the country and
will have application forms and a camera at the Caribbean Fair at the South Street
Seaport on June 13, 2006 to give U.S. citizens seeking a U.S. passport the
opportunity to do so without difficulty.  Checks and money orders will be accepted
on-site.  The USPS will also promote their participation in these events to draw
consumer attention as they alert prospective passport seekers to come and bring the
relevant information needed to begin processing their passports. 
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