The Great USA Road Trip – Australia, in partnership with United Airlines, saw agents win multiple prizes while learning about opportunities across America.
In each city, agents heard from representatives of the Arizona Office of Tourism, Visit California, Travel Oregon, and the New York State Division of Tourism.
A panel discussion explored the appeal of self-drive travel across the USA, with speakers sharing personal insights, practical tips and multi-state itinerary ideas designed to suit a wide range of traveller types.
Following the panel, the events transitioned into a high-energy marketplace format, where agents connected one-on-one with more than 20 U.S. destination and product partners.
“Across all three cities, agents have brought incredible energy, curiosity and strong enthusiasm for U.S. road trip itineraries,” said Suzy Shepard, Senior Director, Global Trade Development (APAC) at Brand USA.
“The engagement we’ve seen throughout the week has reaffirmed Australian agents’ appetite for authentic, diverse and flexible travel experiences for their clients.
“We’ve loved the opportunity to connect directly with the trade and see their passion for selling the USA firsthand and it has been especially exciting to be in Adelaide with our partner, United Airlines.
“With United’s direct flights from ADL to San Francisco taking off later this year, this event was a timely opportunity to build excitement and equip the trade ahead of this historic route launch.”
The three major prize winners from each event were Masey Knight, Flight Centre Cottesloe (Perth); Holly McMiken, Flight Centre (Adelaide); Alma Tartic, Select World Travel (Gold Coast).
They each win two return economy tickets with United Airlines to anywhere in the USA and a selection of accommodation stays and experiences.
“United continues to lead the airline industry on implementing new technologies to improve the customer experience and we thank Brand USA for organising such an engaging roadshow to allow us to share more of the United story,” said Tim Wallis, United Airlines Regional Sales Manager for Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti.
The Roadshow, By The Numbers:
# Total number of agents in attendance: 200+
# Total number of destination & product partners: 20
# Total number of Visit Anaheim welcome cocktails served: 300
# Total number of road trip snacks served at the Brand USA snack bar: 7
