Organised by Linkd Tourism, who represent both destinations in Australia, the famil was supported by Travel Portland and Arizona Office of Tourism.
The trip spanned four nights in Portland and four nights in Arizona with representatives from Infinity Holidays, Flight Centre Travel Group, Inspiring Vacations and Chris Watson Travel.
In Portland, the group’s favourite experiences included a bike tour through the vibrant Central Eastside, performances at Ooh La La at the Paris Theatre – where one of the famil participants joined a can-can dance – and attending two lively sporting events: the Portland Timbers FC (soccer) and the Portland Trail Blazers (basketball).
Lunch at a vineyard in the Tualatin Valley in the surrounding Portland Region was also a big hit.
“Portland, Oregon was such a fun city to explore – super relaxed, creative and full of character,” said Janine Snook, Manager at Chris Watson Travel.
“I loved the food trucks and amazing coffee options and there’s so much to see and do in the city and surrounds.”
Regional destination bodies Visit Phoenix, Scenic Sedona, Discover Flagstaff, Experience Williams and Experience Prescott joined forces to support the group’s journey through some of Arizona’s must-see landscapes.
Highlights included hiking Margs Draw Trail among Sedona’s famous red rocks, bowling and axe throwing at Flagstaff’s Starlite Lanes, a classic cowboy BBQ lunch in Williams and a jeep adventure through the Grand Canyon.
The journey continued along historic Route 66 – which celebrates its centenary this year – to Seligman, before an e-bike ride around the spectacular Watson Lake in Prescott.
“Arizona completely blew my mind; every stop felt different,” added Ms Snook. “My highlight was our stop at Seligman – a quirky little town that inspired the movie Cars.”
“These US destinations offer a vast variety of travel experiences for travellers across nature, culture, culinary and beyond,” said Millie Browne, Business Development and Trade Director for Linkd Tourism.
“We look forward to seeing the results of these lived experiences translate into new product and increased visitation from our local markets.”
Agent participants included:
- Janine Snook, Chris Watson Travel (Manager)
- Michael Van Raaphorst, Inspiring Vacations (Product Manager – Americas & Antarctica)
- Sheree Raphael, Infinity Holidays (Wholesale Sales Specialist)
- Sue Johnson, Flight Centre Travel Group (Global Marketing Operations Leader)
