The U.S. Department of Homeland Security now requires travelers visiting the United States from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to obtain security clearance through the Web-based Electronic System for Travel Authorization program. DHS said it would "take a reasonable approach to travelers who have not obtained an approved travel authorization via ESTA, and will continue an aggressive advertising and outreach campaign throughout 2009." The U.S. Travel Association stated concerns related to a lack of awareness among affected travelers, ramifications of noncompliance and complications for travelers and travel agents without Internet access.

A BCD Travel affiliate and Emirates Group subsidiary Dnata Travel Services each increased ownership of Hogg Robinson Group. Dnata disclosed that it raised to 20.15 percent from 19.99 percent its stake, following by a few days the disclosure of a 3 percentage point increase in ownership by the BCD Travel affiliate to more than 19 percent.

The Institute of Travel Management updated its Project Icarus environmental toolkit, including new "guidance on managing emissions from car usage, meetings and events and hotels."

Amadeus claimed a first by eliminating paper vouchers for all worldwide car rental bookings.

Virgin Atlantic and bmi expanded their codeshare arrangement to include connecting itineraries between Virgin's transatlantic flights and bmi's Middle East and domestic U.K. services.

Hertz launched a global car share club in London, New York City and Paris.

High-speed rail operator Eurostar reported record annual sales and traveler volume for 2008. Passenger count rose 10 percent to 9.1 million and ticket sales jumped 11 percent to £664 million (US$961 million).