ITTN joined an exciting day yesterday with Visit USA as they held their annual Visit USA Thanksgiving Trade Show at the Spencer Hotel followed by a fun evening reception hosted in the Mayson Dublin!
The first event of the day, the Visit USA Thanksgiving Trade Show helped encourage collaboration and connection between the Irish travel trade and Visit USA members, with scheduled, 10-minute meetings with 17 attending members!
Delta Airlines, who presented their exciting prize that included return flights to the US won by lucky travel agents, highlighted their five direct destinations from Dublin- Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis and New York’s JFK that can connect flyers anywhere in the states. With 21 weekly departures from Dublin, the airline is also excited to have recently shared Delta Locals – a new travel-planning companion designed to bring travellers closer to the destinations they dream of, with Dublin among the next cohort of represented destinations, as part of the phased global rollout! https://pro.delta.com/content/agency/erp/en/home.html
Brand USA the nation’s destination marketing organization that’s dedicated to international inbound travel, provides a range of exciting resources to travel agents across the year, highlighting the best in USA destinations, through a variety of global campaigns. From ‘America The Beautiful’ that invites travellers to see themselves in-destination, to their range of itineraries that agents can download on their website- like the self-drive Lake Shores to Gulf Shores that takes drivers from Chicago’s skyline to Nashville’s honky-tonks! Their innovative and interactive online training course also provides agents with the knowledge and skills needed to sell trips to the USA more effectively to customers! Find out more at https://www.thebrandusa.com/
Suppliers in attendance included Bradley International Airport, nestled in the heart of New England in Connecticut, that combines big airport amenities with the ease and convenience of a smaller airport. Located just minutes from Hartford, it’s the perfect gateway to vibrant Connecticut and the stunning New England region. With nonstop flights to Dublin, Bradley is proud to provide a world-class travel experience. They join ITTN next week at our annual fabulous ITTN awards as a sponsor, too! https://bradleyairport.com/
There was something new for travel agents to consider at yesterday’s Visit USA trade show like Maverick Helicopters whooffer adventurers epic views of Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon on their amazing helicopter tour with a private landing above the valley. They also offer magical specialised tours like the Las Vegas Grand Prix Week experience taking place this week, where guests can enhance their race week adventure by embarking on a helicopter experience, where they’ll get bird’s-eye views of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Grand Prix Race Circuit. Find out more at https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/
Tourism board representatives for a range of states joined the trade event and evening celebrations, too- each offering incredible resources so that you can plan the most amazing holidays for your customers to the states.
Deep South showed how Alabama and Mississippi are an adventurer’s dream from Gulf Coast Beaches to Appalachian foothills, every year travelers are attracted to these state’s historic ties from the civil rights’ movement to the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville (Alabama) to Mississippi’s music culture in the Birthplace of the Blues. Tennessee joins with its rich musical heritage, from country music in Nashville to Blues, Soul and Rock n Roll in Memphis, alongside its unique natural attractions from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Chattanooga, known for its outdoor adventures. Our favourite on the Southern States list is Louisiana- known for its unique food and festival culture that attracts 44.5 million visitors every year, from jazz to jambalaya- there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state. https://www.deep-south-usa.com/
Visit Central Florida represent a region of 17 charming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven that are filled with natural beauty and surprising discoveries. From historic gems, extraordinary attractions and thrilling theme parks to epic outdoor adventures, a holiday here feels worlds away, yet is still close to Orlando! https://visitcentralflorida.org/.
Other Floridians in attendance – this time for the northern parts of the state- included the Kennedy Space Center who offer a full day of space exploration activities for enthusiasts at https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ and Amelia Island– a sophisticated destination with upscale venues and an incredible dining scene, with sandy beaches, golf courses and wellness retreats- you can find something for every type of client at https://www.ameliaisland.com/
Pure Michigan offers scenic routes on the open road to rugged trails, snow-covered to the well-traveled, they all lead travellers to the beauty of nature and simple pleasures- agents can find inspiration for your clients whether they’re a cityscape adventurer to an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie to a thrill seeker- you can find unique trip ideas at https://www.michigan.org/
Visit Colorado is a year-round destination that offers amazing outdoor adventures, thriving arts communities and historical sites. From skiing down pristine and powdery slopes, hikes surrounded by gorgeous scenery in national parks, or just wandering charming mountain towns- travellers can add to their journey by staying at a working dude ranch, whitewater rafting and soaking up the sights from a vintage train car. https://www.visittheusa.com/state/colorado
Visit California offers more than just a Beatnik experience in San Fran and the Hollywood glamour of LA, from misty Northern California redwood forests to sun-kissed Southern California beaches, the enchanted Golden State makes Disneyland seem normal. Discover hundreds of places to visit, learn about their diverse regions and lively cities all in one place on their website: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/
Also in attendance and offering something different to holidaymakers exploring the corners of the USA, Travel Portland has something for every type of outdoor enthusiast, from the mountains to the coast and the rivers, forests and gardens in between. An eclectic food scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, ziplines and horseback riding- the Oregon city hosts a range of opportunities for visitors at https://www.travelportland.com/
Your clients might be interested in something different, maybe they want to Travel Oklahoma – a land of diversity from its Native history and breathtaking scenery to its Americana charm and hospitable people, learn why Oklahoma should be included in your next pitch at https://www.travelok.com/. Or, your clients might want to Experience Columbus a destination for sports and festivals, a great arts and dining scene and their award-winning historical museums, parks and of course their Zoo and Aquarium- find out more https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/
Trade enjoyed a wonderful evening learning about the above destinations, enjoying American snacks and getting excited and inspired by the unique topography of the States and all the experiences in between!
Find out more at https://www.visitusa.ie/ where you can plan your bookings by region and get inspired based on your client’s interests, including Activities & Outdoors, Culture & History and Food & Drink
