More than 20 Aussie travel agents have been selected to join Brand USA’s 2026 Ambassador Program.
The new cohort includes a total of 30 Australasian travel advisors who will represent the region as part of an expanded Global Ambassador Program, which will see 250 agents selected worldwide.
The initiative, part of America’s 250th anniversary, is designed to inspire international visitation to the United States, strengthen destination expertise and support travel trade engagement throughout the semi-quincentennial celebration and beyond.
“Strong partnerships with the travel trade are fundamental to Brand USA’s success,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.
“As we continue to grow international demand for the United States, the Global Ambassador Program recognises top professionals who influence travel decisions every day.
“As one of Brand USA’s largest coordinated travel trade initiatives to date, the program reflects our long-term commitment to advisor education, industry collaboration and building a stronger global network that benefits travellers, our destination partners, and communities across the United States.”
The 2026 Brand USA ambassadors from Australia are:
- Hayley Maree Lyson (italktravel NSW)
- Lauren Zanesco (iTravel NSW)
- Elyse Palmer (Travel Managers NSW – pictured above)
- Mel Sherry (MTA NSW)
- Allirra Franks (Helloworld NSW – main image)
- Michelle Pelley (Travel Managers NSW)
- Melanie Evans (Travel Associates Mosman NSW)
- Bianca Douglas Watt (Stage and Screen NSW)
- Kelly Chapman (Everything Travel NSW)
- Jade Garlick (Roast and Roam NSW)
- Kat Chatfield (Helloworld Everton Hills QLD – below)
Brayden Kemble (Helloworld Gladstone QLD)- Fiona Gent (MTA QLD)
- Stacey Brooke Martin (Destinations Designed QLD)
- Clare Dos Santos (Clare Dos Santos Travel SA)
- Lisa Trestrail (RAA SA)
- Zoe Mashford (RAA Travel SA)
- Cara Buhagiar (Helloworld Templestowe VIC – pictured in Las Vegas, below)
- Lauren Perrow (MTA VIC)
- Jessica O’Grady (Travel Associates VIC)
- Abby Pezze (Travel Associates VIC – pictured below)
- Brittany Mason (Mr Chocolate’s Travel VIC)
Over the next 12 months, ambassadors will participate in destination training, networking opportunities, partner events and immersive educational experiences across the United States.
They will also gain access to exclusive training, collaborate with fellow ambassadors around the world and continue strengthening their expertise through Brand USA’s suite of travel trade resources, including the Get Facts. Get Going. toolkit for the latest visa and entry information and America the Beautiful, which provides destination inspiration, itineraries and trip-planning tools.
“The response to Brand USA’s Global Ambassador Program reflects the incredible enthusiasm travel advisors have to connect international travellers with the United States,” said Malcolm Smith, senior vice president, global markets & chief trade and product development officer at Brand USA.
“The volume and quality of applications exceeded our expectations, and it was inspiring to see how many U.S. specialists are committed to growing their destination knowledge while helping elevate the industry around them.
“These 250 ambassadors represent a network of trusted professionals who will share best practices, mentor their peers and strengthen confidence in selling the United States during America’s 250th anniversary and for many years to come.”
To celebrate the launch of the 2026 Brand USA Ambassador Program, Brand USA will host a Sydney Agent Training Event on August 4.
Register here: Brand USA – Agent Training Event
