The USA

Tix now on sale for Rugby Sevens in San Fran

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 will be played by the 40 best men’s and women’s international teams at AT&T Park in San Francisco from July 20–22, 2018 – the first time the Rugby World Cup Sevens will be held in the US.

Tickets for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco are now on sale, with easy access for tour operators and travel agents around the world. Purchase single or group tickets HERE, with prices starting at USD$75 for a single day pass, and USD$144for a three-day pass.

Event Information

Dates: Friday, July 20 – Sunday, July 22, 2018
Location: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California

The iconic AT&T Park is home to the three-time world champions, the San Francisco Giants, one of Major League Baseball’s most historic franchises. It is one of the most spectacular and highly-rated sports venues in the USA and is uniquely located in downtown San Francisco, along the waterfront overlooking the San Francisco Bay. With superb public transport links servicing the entire San Francisco Bay Area and in close proximity to the city’s main hotels, AT&T Park is popular for world-class events including an array of international sports and music concerts.

23/04/2018

Daily News Resources The USA USA

5 new hotels for your clients in Portland, Oregon

Check out these new properties for 2018 in the fabulous city of Portland, Oregon – everything from luxury accommodation to funky neighbourhood/arty/creative vibe boutique offerings, with something to suit every client.

The Dossier

The recently-opened Dossier is the latest property in the luxury Provenance Hotels collection. Reminiscent of a private club with old world hospitality, elegant design and gracious service, the hotel is also a hub for one of the city’s best contemporary art collections and home to the swanky Opal Bar and restaurant, serving New American cuisine and “come back for more” cocktails. You can even have ice cream delivered directly to your room from local Portland ice creamery, Salt and Straw. Located one block from popular Pioneer Square and a short walk to some of the city’s must do attractions including the iconic Powell’s bookstore – the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world.

The Hoxton

With a reputation for being located in creative neigbourhoods (the first Hoxton opened in Shoreditch, London), Portland is the perfect complement to this eclectic, design-forward hotel brand which positions itself as the “anti hotel”.

When the doors open in the US Summer of 2018, expect the hotel to blend right in with the robust community of makers, microbreweries, baristas and incredible food offerings as The Hoxton embraces the spirit of the city. It will also bring the outside in with cultural events, vibrant public spaces and locally focused restaurants and bars.

The Hoxton is located in an iconic, historic building dating back to 1906 in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown district.

The Porter

Portland already has a reputation for being a culinary destination and The Porter will enhance this with the recent announcement that 297-room hotel, opening April 2018, will offer four premier dining options.

Booking a room at this hotel will be essential to overcome the inevitable food coma from indulging at either the Terrane Italian Kitchen + Bar offering a soulful Italian-inspired menu, the fabulous rooftop xport bar & lounge where crafted cocktails will make great accompaniments to the small plates menu, Chiosco which offers a Neapolitan pizza window serving gourmet pizza for those on the move and Portland Exchange Grocer & Goods for those looking to create their own picnics for enjoyment at the nearby waterfront park.

Jupiter NEXT Hotel

The quirky Jupiter Hotel – a revitalised 81 room motor-inn, located in Portland’s buzzy east side – is getting an older sibling! Maintaining the same focus on design, art and creativity that makes the Jupiter unique, Jupiter NEXT will offer guests all these values but with a higher concentration on sophistication.

Scheduled to open on 1 June 2018, the 67-room hotel will also have a restaurant and a jungle-themed cocktail bar providing a luxurious escape from the bustling streets but still connecting guests to the vibrancy of urban life including neighbouring Doug Fir Lounge which hosts some of the best music acts as they roll through Portland.

Hyatt Regency Portland

The much-anticipated Hyatt Regency Portland, directly across the street from the Oregon Convention Centre, is set to open in late 2019. The $224 million project is Portland’s biggest hotel project and will be the Hyatt’s first full-service hotel in Oregon.

It is expected to draw substantial conference business to the city as it will offer meeting planners a committable block of 500 rooms and is easily accessible to the city’s major sites, sporting attractions and local restaurants. For more information on the Hyatt www.oregonmetro.gov/hotel

And in other hotel news…
Construction is underway for a number of other hotels set to open late 2019/early 2020 with Portland’s hotel room inventory projected to increase by 40% by 2020 with nearly 3,000 new rooms available to book.

For more information visit Travel Portland

19/04/2018

Attractions Daily News Music and entertainment The USA

Stay at ‘Steel Magnolias’ house in Louisiana

Ok, so … who HASN’T seen the film, Steel Magnolias? … are you lying?

For the uninitiated – here’s a Huff Post piece that’s tantamount to Crib Notes.

If you’re a diehard fan you might want to consider these lodgings when in Louisiana … because you can now stay in the home where author Robert Harling lived out Steel Magnolias in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Take a trip down memory lane as the Eatenton family home has been turned into a B&B offering Southern hospitality, and where the décor/exteriors haven’t changed since Robert lived there. You can stay in one of six suites, each named after characters for the film, and decorated to match. A stay in The Steel Magnolia House starts at approximately $250 per night.

18/04/2018

APPOINTMENTS Daily News The USA Tourism Organisations

Colorado Tourism Office appoints Australian rep

APTMS – Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services – has been selected by The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) to guide an Australia-based marketing initiative aimed at promoting Colorado to Australia’s media, travel trade and consumers – CTO’s first in-market reps in Australia.

Australia has been Colorado’s second-largest market for overseas travel since 2011 and, despite no direct flights between Australia and Colorado, approximately 48,400 Australians visited the state in 2016, compared with 64,900 from the UK, the CTO’s top overseas market, and 36,100 from Germany, which ranks third.

“Australia has been one of our fastest growing markets since 2009, and with Australians’ interest in taking long, leisurely vacations in the U.S., it’s one of our highest-quality markets as well,” said CTO Director Cathy Ritter. “Australian travellers have long been fans of Colorado’s famed ski slopes, and our research is showing that even larger numbers are interested in experiencing our mountains, beautiful landscapes, unique wildlife and western history.”

APTMS was chosen in a competitive process from a field of five bidders evaluated by a panel that included representation from the CTO, as well as from destinations and attractions that target international travellers. APTMS begins its work for CTO effective this week, in time to represent Colorado destinations at the U.S. Travel Association’s upcoming 2018 IPW tradeshow, to be held in Denver, Colorado, from 19-23 May.

“We are honored and delighted to announce our partnership with the CTO,” said Kylee Kay, Managing Director of APTMS. “With continued demand for travel to the United States and consistent data revealing Australia’s increasing desire to seek multi-state itineraries, we can see great opportunity to showcase the diversity of Colorado to new and repeat travellers.

“We aim to capture Australian travellers’ imaginations and inspire them to visit Colorado’s fine national parks and monuments as well as city stops with world class culinary experiences, and experience the welcome and friendliness renowned to Coloradoans [and] look forward to establishing Colorado as a ‘must add’ for all Australian travellers to the USA.”

10/04/2018

Daily News Events The USA Tips, quizzes, guides, snippets

Corgi Beach Day – it really is a thing!

If you have clients currently travelling around Southern California, tell them to head to Huntington Beach on Saturday 7 April for So Cal Corgi Beach Day.

Corgi Beach Day is the largest bash of its kind in Huntington Beach, celebrating all things corgi and held three times a year in spring, summer and autumn (fall). These cute little dogs known for their great personalities, adorable coats and smiles (and short legs!) spend the day being feted and fawned over across events including corgi meet-and-greets, doggie limbo contests, photo ops and talent contests.

Corgi Beach Day

So Cal Corgi Nation is a group of Corgi enthusiasts and their low riding canine friends. Led by Mr. Pickles the corgi, the official host of So Cal Corgi Beach Day, the event draws national and global media coverage. From its beginnings, with just 15 dogs, in 2012, So Cal Corgi Beach Day has grown to host over 800 dogs at each meet up.

Corgi Beach Day

Event Highlights include Cutest Cardigan Contest, Tiki Themed Costume Contest, Corgi Cream Pie Eating Contest and Best Momo (AKA Corgi Butt) Contest.

06/04/2018

Attractions Daily News Event & Famil photos The USA Wholesalers & Tour Operators

Broadway Inbound backs its commitment to Australian market

London has the famed West End and New York City has bedazzling, buoyant Broadway … if you’ve visited either or both cities and jagged a seat at an award-winning live show, you will appreciate the incredible contribution that a vibrant and world-renowned theatre district makes to a city.

First time visitors to NYC have plenty of bucket-list attractions on their must-see lists, and Broadway is among them; frequent visitors will insist that tickets to a Broadway show are a mandatory holiday inclusion, booked well in advance of departure from OZ!

The great news for Aussie travellers, and agents, is that Broadway Inbound is committed to facilitating those experiences in the best possible way – Rebecca George, Broadway Inbound Trade Sales Manager, Australia and New Zealand and Courtney Rule, Broadway Inbound PR Director, travelled to New York last week for training, meetings and unique Broadway experiences.

In recognising the increase in global demand for its unique product, Broadway Inbound organised the trip in order to help the Aussie sales and PR teams further educate and service the Australian market.

“It’s always wonderful for Broadway shows to make their way to Australia, but there really is nothing like seeing it first on Broadway in New York City,” said George.

While in New York, the team was delighted to meet Randy Adams, the Tony-award winning Producer and founding partner of Junkyard Dog Productions (JYD). JYD is currently represented on Broadway with Come From Away, which is set to open in Melbourne in July 2019.

Come From Away takes audiences to the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 passengers who were stranded during 9/11, and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada that welcomed them. While the show begins on 9/11, it focuses on the story of the days that follow, showing how frustration and uneasiness can turn into trust, gratitude and enduring connections.

“No matter whether they see Come From Away in New York or in Australia, Australian audiences will be taken to a place they don’t want to leave and will want to see the show again and again,” George added.

For more information on performances and bookings, visit Broadway Inbound. Broadway Inbound recommends booking in advance through a travel provider to secure the best seats to preferred shows at a great price.

IMAGE: L-R: Randy Adams, Producer of Come From Away; Bonnie Earle Harris, one of the Newfoundland residents that opened her doors to the stranded passengers and whose story is depicted in Come From Away; Rebecca George, Broadway Inbound Trade Sales Manager; Courtney Rule, Broadway Inbound PR Director; Diane Davis, another Newfoundland resident whose story is depicted in Come From Away.

05/04/2018

APPOINTMENTS Attractions Daily News The USA Tourism Organisations

New cultural appointment for San Diego Tourism

The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has appointed Jennifer Davies to the newly-created role of Director of Cultural Tourism, Balboa Park.

In her new role, Davies will oversee the SDTA’s Balboa Park-focused cultural tourism initiatives, working to promote Balboa Park as a nationally-recognised cultural icon and generate travel to the San Diego region.

“Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s greatest assets, but awareness of the park’s incredible offerings is still relatively low among visitors,” said SDTA President and CEO Joe Terzi. “Jennifer brings with her great marketing acumen and a passion for Balboa Park, as well as San Diego’s greater arts and culture community, and we are excited to have her join the SDTA’s team to raise the park’s profile both nationally and internationally.”

While this role is a new position within the Tourism Authority, the SDTA has undertaken a number of efforts over the years to promote both Balboa Park and overall cultural tourism to the destination, including multiple years partnering with the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture to develop cultural tourism-specific marketing campaigns.

26/02/2018

Attractions Featured Music and entertainment The USA

LA showcases priceless King Tut Exhibition as part of 100-year World Tour

Visitors to LA are in for a rare treat with new “KING TUT: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh” Exhibition premiering at the California Science Center from 24 March 2018, through until early January 2019.

Tomb Discovery

The exclusive exhibition, part of a World Tour, is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of the Pharaoh’s tomb.

Presented by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, Exhibitions International, IMG and the California Science Center, the new immersive exhibition will display more than 150 real artefacts from Tutankhamun’s (also known as King Tut) tomb. The ten-city international exhibition tour will debut in Los Angeles on March 24, 2018 and be on view through early January 2019 at the California Science Center, proudly sponsored by American Express.

Gilden Wooden Figure of Tutankhamun on a Skiff_preview

The exhibition’s curated collection represents the largest assembly of artefacts and gold from Tutankhamun’s tomb ever on public display outside of Egypt, which has historically been limited to approximately 50 items. On display will be many items the Boy King himself used in life and in death, including: golden jewellery, elaborate carvings, sculptures, and ritual antiquities. Forty percent of these artefacts will be leaving Egypt for the first and last time before returning for permanent display at the new Grand Egyptian Museum currently under construction.

“To celebrate the 100th year anniversary of discovering the tomb of the Boy King Tutankhamun, as a part of the celebration, Egypt is sending 150 masterpieces to tour all over the world…Please see them, visit them, before they return back to Egypt forever,” said Dr. Mostafa Waziry, Secretary General of the Ministry of State for Antiquities, Egypt.

The exhibition will remain in Los Angeles for nearly ten months before moving to Europe. Exhibition guests can follow King Tut as he journeys from death through the underworld to find his place in the afterlife, learning how each burial artefact was used to assist him in his life-after-death journey. Guests will also discover how their presence in the exhibition perpetuates King Tut’s immortality.

14/02/2018

Attractions Daily News Family Resources The USA

CityPASS adds San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

From 1 March 2018 the newly expanded and transformed San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) will join the CityPASS program, in tandem with the official launch that day of the 2018 San Francisco CityPASS program.

Each 2018 San Francisco CityPASS ticket booklet costs $89 for adults, $69 for children, ages 5-11. Ticket booklets, which can be purchased online at CityPASS.com/san-francisco or at any of the CityPASS partner attractions listed above, are valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day of use.

CityPASS enables visitors to save 45 percent off combined admission to San Francisco’s top attractions, and includeing a Cable Car and Muni Bus Passport, good for three consecutive days of unlimited rides on all Muni buses, vintage streetcars, and, of course, the city’s iconic cable cars. While other visitors are paying $7 for each one-way cable car ride, CityPASS holders can hop on and off as many times as they like.

Also included in each San Francisco CityPASS ticket booklet is prepaid admission to the California Academy of Sciences, a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, the Aquarium of the Bay on San Francisco’s lively PIER 39, and an option ticket, allowing visitors to choose between SFMOMA and the Exploratorium, an interactive laboratory/museum that encourages families to investigate the world through science, experimentation and art.

About SFMOMA
The first museum on the West Coast dedicated to modern and contemporary art, SFMOMA added nearly three times more gallery space with its $305 million expansion. Much more than a spacious home for renowned modern and contemporary artworks, the transformed SFMOMA gives patrons room to absorb, ponder and reflect. Two favourite contemplation spaces for visitors are the Living Wall, a vertical garden stretching 150 feet along the Pat and Bill Wilson Sculpture Terrace and composed of nearly 20,000 plants; and the glass-walled Roberts Family Gallery, whose Roman steps offer an inviting gathering spot that currently overlooks Richard Serra’s monumental sculpture Sequence.

Free public tours are offered daily on-site, giving both new and repeat visitors a deep dive into an impressive collection spread over seven floors. Visitors can also book multilingual private tours led by trained art historians, or download SFMOMA’s immersive iOS app, including hundreds of 60–90 second audio reflections by composers, comedians, artists and playwrights, among others.

Worthy of a full-day visit, SFMOMA has several dining options to keep visitors energized, including Café 5, serving California fusion fare and located adjacent to a sculpture garden; Sightglass, a local artisanal coffee bar; and In Situ, a fine-dining restaurant that recently received a Michelin star.

05/02/2018

Airports Daily News News The USA

More new LAX features debut – and sneak peeks

The $14 billion modernisation of LAX, scheduled to roll out over several years, has seen some new features debut, others currently under construction, and still others on track for down the track!

The airport’s Automated People Mover, scheduled to open by 2023, will be a convenient and reliable way to access LAX terminals.

Take a sneak peek …

Five of the 14 new Automated Screening Lanes at the Security Screening Check Point in the Tom Bradley International Terminal have debuted, with the new technology allowing up to five passengers to fill trays at the same time and proceed to the body scanner. The project is expected to be completed in the northern spring 2018, and ultimately screen almost a thousand more passengers per hour than its previous capacity.

The Midfield Satellite Concourse is currently under construction and will bring 12 new gate facilities that will be accessible via a tunnel corridor with moving walkways from Tom Bradley International Terminal. Interior design elements provide passengers with a variety of dining and retail options, more seats to relax in, work areas and pet relief stations.

IMAGE:LAX – discoverlosangeles.com

05/12/2017

Cruise News - General Daily News Music and entertainment Other The USA

Delta Blues, Memphis, Nashville – a music lover’s cruise on the Mississippi

True fans of music will find this cruise a real temptation – 16 days on the mighty Mississippi, stopping to soak up the history of music in the Deep South, the birthplace of much more than the Delta Blues.

Travelrite International’s new cruise will be led by music historian Glenn A. Baker and travels on the largest and most opulent riverboat in the world – American Queen – from 22 June to 10 July 2018.

The cruise includes a visit to Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the Louisiana Delta Museum, The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Sun Studios, Fame Studios, New Orleans Studios and the Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame, New Orleans, and much more. Guests can also enjoy performances at venues including the Grand Ole Opry, the Ground Zero Blues Club and the famous jazz clubs of New Orleans. In each new destination, passengers will be immersed in a musical nirvana, celebrating the birthplaces and historical landmarks of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Bluegrass, Country and Rock’n’Roll.

Baker is renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge of music and is also an award-winning travel writer so guests will be in exceptional hands for American Queen’s voyage into the heart of American blues, rock and soul.

“I can’t wait to get on board our version of ‘Proud Mary’,” said Glenn A. “From a true music fan’s perspective it really doesn’t get much better than this. Not only does the cruise explore so much history, but it takes passengers to the haunts of some of the truly pivotal acts of America’s musical history – to the Crossroads where the devil and the blues are supposed to have interconnected, to the recording studios where some of the greatest sounds of the twentieth century were captured. The cities we’re visiting were at the centre of, and shaped the face of music for decades. On top of that, it’s going to be a huge amount of fun, with like-minded people indulging their passions and being immersed in the cultures they have long dreamed of.”

21/11/2017

Featured Share your photos and stories The USA

Where to watch the Fall Foliage in New York State

Autumn, or as Americans call it, Fall, is well underway in the U.S. and the visual transformation of the landscape is arguably the most beautiful part of the season, and New York State is one of the best places to explore some of the country’s best Fall landscapes.

As shades of green become brilliantly coloured golden yellows, orange, reds and burgundy – autumn is the prime time to partake in a little foliage spotting, especially those of us down under where the change in season is not as extreme and rarely as colourful!

So, where are the best spots to see the change in season in New York State?

Autumn is the best time of year to go Cycling through upper New York State.

Lake Placid in the Adirondacks, is a village in Northern New York that famously played home to the 1980 Olympics. The area is known for its hiking trails and for experienced hikers, the summit of Mount Marcy will provide a stunning view of bright, striking shades of orange, yellow, gold and red.

Cazenovia Lake in the Central New York region is four miles of swimming, fishing, and boating fun. Make your way to the lake’s shoreline park and dock to see orange, red and yellow leaves dominating the waterfront. Afterwards, head to one of the region’s vineyards, cideries or breweries to taste the area’s growing local wine and beer industry.

Watkins Glen National Park, in the Finger Lakes region is a great foliage hiking destination. Walk under the park’s famous waterfalls; see the bright shades of yellow, orange and green; and stop-off at one of the region’s wineries.

Allegany State Park is ideal for exploring autumnal colour change combined with a scenic drive along the Lake Eerie Wine Country Trail, 40 miles of quaint towns that house 23 wineries.

Thousand Islands, on the border of New York State and Canada.

Buffalo, in the Greater Niagara region, is starting to see tremendous colour change. Experience the Buffalo Southtown by day, where views from the hills’ peaks show more red and orange foliage. For something more cosmopolitan in the evening, hit up downtown to enjoy some Buffalo wings.

Walkway Over the Hudson is less than two hours out of New York City, a one mile walkway with scenic views across the Catskills and the Hudson Highlands. Wrap up your day in the Hudson Valley region by exploring the charming river towns known for their fine dining options.

Washington Park is stunning in Autumn.

Washington Park is the idyllic spot for foliage observation and a day full of never ending adventure. Align your visit with one of the numerous events, exhibitions, and performances that are available to be seen in the park throughout the year.

During autumn, a team of volunteer Leaf Peepers, located throughout the state’s 11 vacation regions, are tasked with keeping track of the colour change in their area. ‘Fall’ Foliage Reports are posted online each week including a detailed map of colour change throughout the State, vantage points for viewing the best leaves and weekly event listings in each area. You can read the most recent report here.

30/10/2017

Airlines Daily News News Resources The USA Tips, quizzes, guides, snippets

Qantas lures US travellers to Australia with new campaign to ‘pay for their passport’

Working on the most recent stats that suggest only 40% of Americans hold a valid passport^[1], Qantas has launched a novel new digital campaign offering US travellers a USD$135 discount, or the cost of a US passport, off their next ticket to Australia.

The airline’s ‘Not Your Typical Airline’ campaign has already launched in the US, and is timed to support the arrival of the new Qantas 787 Dreamliner. Other components of the campaign showcase the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru as well as Australia’s unique hiking trails, outback water holes and native animals, explaining that Australia also offers not your typical vacation experience.

“We want to make this process easier and offer our American customers US$135 off the price of their fare, essentially covering the cost of a new passport,” said Qantas Chief Customer Officer Olivia Wirth.

“As Australia’s national carrier we are proud and excited to share all that Australia has to offer – and with this campaign we are keen to help boost tourism to our cities, towns and regional areas at the same time.”

In the year ending June 2017, 753,000 US visitors arrived in Australia, spending a total of $3.7 billion during their stay, up seven per cent on the previous year.^[2]

Just over a third of US travellers visit up to five regions when travelling to Australia, following food and wine trails, exploring coastal areas and spending time experiencing Australia’s native animals and wildlife.

To redeem the discount, US customers can visit qantas.com/passport and enter the promo code ‘PASSPORT’. The offer is available to all US citizens irrespective of whether they hold a passport. The offer is valid until 28 November 2017 for all ticket classes on flights originating in the US to Australia booked on qantas.com.

¹2016 valid passports in circulation (including passport cards): 131,841,062

² Tourism Australia

24/10/2017

Event & Famil photos Events Featured Music and entertainment The USA

A virtual Oregon travel experience – in a Sydney warehouse!

A converted warehouse space in Rosebery (The Studio) was transformed into a little slice of Portland, Oregon on Wednesday night when guests gathered in Sydney to meet and greet a contingent of eight delegates, representing Travel Oregon and Travel Portland, here for their annual sales mission with trade and industry.

Guests were introduced to a virtual travel experience on ‘the streets of Portland’, [watch video here] created by artists, tattooists (of the temporary kind!), donut makers, baristas, and t-shirt printers. Drinks provided by Portland distillery – Aviation Gin, Kombucha Wonder Drink and Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley – were served with an Oregon-inspired menu including Rogue Cheeses from Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, and Red Duck hot sauces.

Street Artist, Dallas Clark, from Work-Shop, a creative space in Sydney’s inner city Redfern, crafted a live street art-style mural throughout the event capturing the essence of Portland, while guests created their own piece of Oregon with an interactive painting class. Work-Shop will take its creative concept studios based across Australia to the city of Portland in the near future.

Oregon’s year round skiing and outdoor lifestyle was also on show with representation from Mt Hood which is located 90 minutes from Portland and is home to three of the state’s popular ski resorts – Timberline, Mt Hood Meadows and Ski Bowl.

Belinda Condon. United Airlines; Al Munguia, Jupiter Hotel; <br />Verina Phillett, United Airlines; Jennifer Morkert, Oceanfront Suites

Belinda Condon. United Airlines; Al Munguia, Jupiter Hotel;
Verina Phillett, United Airlines; Jennifer Morkert, Oceanfront Suites

“We wanted guests to live and breathe the Portland and Oregon experience to complement our product training sessions and further engage the trade and industry we’ve been meeting with this week,” said Heather Anderson International Tourism Manager, Travel Portland.

The Oregon delegates held B2B meetings and product training sessions with key travel agents while in the country and, in Melbourne, also hosted a VIP dinner with 30 travel trade partners at Roxborough restaurant in St Kilda, chosen for its Portland-esque vibe and cuisine.

“We are excited to see the growing number of Australian travellers to Portland and Oregon and look forward to capitalising on the US being the number one long haul travel destination for Australians,” said Petra Hackworth, Travel Oregon Vice President Global Sales.

The trip to Oceania also included Auckland where similar training sessions and a makers event took place.

Travel Portland and Travel Oregon delegates to Australia

Petra Hackworth – Travel Oregon, Vice President Global Sales
Ajay Date – Travel Portland, Vice President of Marketing
Lisa Itel – Travel Oregon, Global Sales Manager
Heather Anderson – Travel Portland, International Tourism Manager
Aaron Liersemann – Mt Hood Territory, Tourism Development
Al Munguia – Jupiter Hotel Portland, General Manager
David Penilton – America Hub World Tours
Jennifer Morkert – Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites, Oregon Coast

Ajay Date, Travel Portland; Corey Marshall, Travel Oregon; Al Munguia, Jupiter Hotel;
Petra Hackworth, Travel Oregon; Jennifer Morkert, Oceanfront Suites

13/10/2017

Daily News Industry News - General The USA Tourism Organisations

Gate 7 retains Brand USA marketing for Australia and NZ

Sydney-based tourism marketing agency, Gate 7, has successfully retained the account to deliver all Australian and New Zealand marketing activity for Brand USA, the national marketing organisation for the United States, following a ‘competitive pitching process’.

Additionally, Gate 7 has added Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau to its roster of retainer clients, and will be working with Travel South, Choose Chicago and Tennessee Tourism & Memphis Travel on a range of projects.

Jo Palmer, Managing Director of Gate 7, said that Australia and New Zealand, combined, make for one of the top international market sets for US inbound long haul visitation.

“The opportunity to promote the depth and breadth of America since launching Brand USA in Australia and New Zealand five years ago has been incredible,” said Palmer.

“Our goal of transforming the perception of the U.S. from ‘the holiday of a lifetime’ to the understanding of the U.S. as representing a ‘lifetime of holidays’ is progressing well. We are excited to continue developing the interest and diverse visitation from this market into the future.”

11/10/2017

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