Visit USA Australia has celebrated the start of IPW with its annual Australian and New Zealand Welcome Reception at House on the River in Fort Lauderdale, bringing together delegates, media and Visit USA members ahead of a busy week of trade appointments.
The event was sponsored by New Orleans and Company and Explore Louisiana, with support from TravMedia and Visit USA NZ. Special guests included Nick Adams, Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism and Value, alongside representatives from the US Commercial Service and the National Travel and Tourism Office.
Belinda Harvy, newly appointed Visit USA Australia President, said the reception was a valuable opportunity to celebrate the strong connections across the industry.
“The Australian market continues to be one of the United States’ most valuable long-haul markets because Australian travellers stay longer, explore more destinations and really embrace the depth and diversity of the USA experience,” Ms Harvy said.
As part of IPW, the Visit USA Australia team connected with more than 70 US suppliers, attractions and visitor bureaus, highlighting the opportunities within the Australian market.
Kim Priez, New Orleans and Company Senior Vice President of Tourism, said the city offered something different for Australian and New Zealand travellers.
“New Orleans stands out because our culture isn’t performed, it’s lived. Whether it’s live music spilling onto Frenchmen Street, a family recipe shared in a neighbourhood kitchen, or a spontaneous second line parade, every moment here is real,” Ms Priez said.
New Orleans will host IPW in 2027.
