The events industry has been given some more good news as it continues its recovery: the White House has finally set a firm border reopening date of November 8th, allowing vaccinated travelers into the U.S. via both land and air routes.
The U.S. had previously announced last month that it would be lifting travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers sometime in early November, and the events and hospitality industries were waiting with bated breath for the announcement of the precise date.
That day has now come, and any in-person events taking place as of November 8th will almost undoubtedly experience a surge in attendance following the news. Restrictions on air travel from Canada have been lifted for several weeks, but this announcement also means that land borders with Canada and Mexico will reopen as well.
Events that were able to return to in-person so far this year have still had to work with mainly domestic attendance as the U.S. held off on opening its borders. The news is particularly exciting and timely for IMEX America, which is finally returning on November 9th and will now be able to welcome international attendees.
“We’re absolutely delighted that the U.S. is easing travel restrictions from across the world into America from November 8,” said the IMEX Group in a statement. “This gives the green light to hundreds more global buyers, exhibitors and industry professionals to come to Las Vegas for IMEX America which is open until Thursday November 11.”
They continued: “This decision is a massive morale booster for the industry. More importantly, it increases momentum for the US economy and its labor market and for the international travel sector in general. We look forward to giving the global business events community the homecoming it deserves and, as it’s the 10th edition of IMEX America, it’s set to be a very special reunion. All we can say now is….roll on November 8!”