George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), already a standard-bearer for international travel, is now the nation’s first Model Port thanks to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The program, designed to promote a better travel experience and ease the processing of passengers visiting the United States, includes; improved signage, an explanatory video in four languages and modernized procedures.

“Houston offers a great opportunity for the success of the Model Port program,” said Rick Vacar, director of the Houston Airport System. “Our thriving Federal Inspection Services building offers the advantages of a brand new facility with plenty of capacity for CPB to start the Model Port concept. We are very pleased that IAH was selected to serve as the incubator for this innovative program.”

Today’s inauguration brings to fruition a yearlong effort to upgrade and improve service for the more than 7.4 million international travelers who annually fly through IAH. The number of visitors to the U.S. dropped sharply following the 9-11 attacks and increased security measures.

That resulted in a negative impact on tourism, international studies and medical exchange programs.

Houston Mayor Bill White created a task force to evaluate the problem, its effect on Houston’s economy and to suggest solutions to facilitate international travel at IAH. The task force included representatives from the tourism, travel, and aviation industries, along with members from the Texas Medical Center and local universities.

Their work had an important role in the creation of the Model Port concept, which is a joint initiative between Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Jeffrey Baldwin, senior director of field operations for CBP in Houston, says coordinating safety with a warm welcome was the main goal.