Taking responsibility for border security: Commercial interests in the face of e-borders

•Examines the implementation of the UK e-Borders border security programme.•Uses stakeholder analysis to examine this new phenomenon.•Offer insights into the impact of e-Borders on travel firms' commercial interests.•Shows how travel firms manage the negative consequences of compliance.•Implications for research and for travel organizations are explored.

Security is an important feature of the macro environment for tourism that affects the consumption of travel products. Following high-profile terrorist attacks, UK border security measures have been increased through the implementation of the e-Borders programme. This initiative requires passenger carriers to collect and electronically transmit travel document information and service information for any individual entering or leaving the UK. The commercial impact of e-Borders on travel firms is investigated by examining the relationships between the affected stakeholders, considering the power and decision making at play, and exploring the outcomes. The e-Borders programme is described, and a framework for the in-depth, qualitative study is presented. The findings show that passenger carriers and travel firms manage the negative consequences of compliance and restore their commercial interests by engaging in a process we describe as recognizing, rationalizing and refashioning. The implications for research and practice are explored.