Two popular figures in the Australian travel industry are combining to launch exciting new products into market.
Chris Watson is expanding his successful tour operator and wholesaler travel company, Chris Watson Travel (CWT), with two new specialist U.S. brands.
The brands will be Taste of America and Taste of the South, by Chris Watson, which will be officially unveiled at this year’s USA International Pow Wow (IPW) trade show in Florida.
Spearheading these new brands will be former president of Visit USA and successful destination marketer, Caroline Davidson, in the role of product development manager.
“Caroline’s extensive experience with and enthusiasm for U.S. destination marketing is well-documented,” said Chris.
“That, and her two successful terms as president of the Visit USA organisation in Australia, is the ideal match to assist us to grow the new brands and develop unique U.S. products with synergy and individual appeal for our loyal clientele.
“Caroline will also be key to marketing the new brands in Australia and I am thrilled to have her work with our wonderful team.”
The new brands are expected to launch by August and showcase new fly/drive itineraries and small group tours that will appeal to CWT’s dedicated clients and build upon the hugely popular U.S. experiences the company currently offers.
Based in Tamworth in regional NSW, Chris Watson Travel is known for itineraries and hosted small group tours that are often centred around U.S. country music events, and festivals, developed organically from Chris’ own passion for the genre, his extensive industry and music connections and his awarded line-dancing talent.
“This new project is hugely exciting and timely for me. I share Chris’ passion for the immense wealth of experiences that the USA has to offer,” said Caroline.
“I have long been impressed with Chris’ energy, unstoppable enthusiasm and his demonstrated ability to build and deliver original, exclusive travel experiences with that extra ‘something special’ that is often missing: personal connection and bespoke service.
“I am delighted to be invited to bring my expertise and contacts to help Chris and his amazing team share more of the incredible USA with clients who are keen to follow his insights and travel vision.
“IPW is the perfect launch pad for these new brands, and I look forward to connecting with many of my travel industry colleagues in Fort Lauderdale in this new role.”
