CBP Launches Interactive Travel Widget to 'Get You Home'
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced availability of a traveler-centric desktop widget as part of the integrated "Let's Get You Home" advertising and outreach campaign. As a traveler’s departure date approaches, the automated widget provides a trip countdown timer and weather at the traveler's destination and reminds the user to obtain appropriate travel documents, as required under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).
U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant document beginning June 1, 2009. "We are using a wide range of media vehicles, in addition to television and magazine ads, to ensure that all segments of the population are familiar with the travel document requirements under WHTI," said CBP Assistant Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski. "A digital strategy component allows CBP to reach audiences that are increasingly using the Internet as their source of news and information, especially related to travel. The widget, because it sits on the computer desktop, provides an ongoing and interactive reminder to travelers to get appropriate travel documents."
The widget is designed so that anyone making travel plans on the Internet can take advantage of the trip countdown and weather functions. It is available to download on the "Get You Home" Web site here: http://getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_downloads.html.