Two of the USA’s most emerging regional destinations have completed a multi-city sales mission across Australasia.
The week-long initiative by Grapevine, Texas and Travel Oklahoma spanned Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney with the overarching theme centred on a classic Route 66 adventure.
The representatives combined trade events, product trainings and strategic meetings with catching up with leading industry partners.
The program engaged a broad cross-section of the travel industry, including retail, wholesale and online distribution partners such as Flight Centre Travel Group, House of Travel, Helloworld Travel, Webjet and Expedia Group.
Leading the sales mission were Heather Egan, Director of Leisure & International Sales for Grapevine, Texas, and Todd Stallbaumer, Consumer & Trade Marketing Director for Travel Oklahoma.
Across four dedicated evening showcase events, more than 150 travel advisors and media were introduced to the unique appeal of both destinations.
These included Oklahoma’s rich Native American heritage, Route 66 nostalgia and wide-open landscapes, and Grapevine’s historic charm, vibrant food and wine experiences, and location close to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The mission also included a series of in-depth product trainings, webinars and “lunch and learn” sessions, designed to equip frontline agents with practical selling tools and itinerary inspiration.
These sessions highlighted how Grapevine and Oklahoma can be seamlessly combined into broader U.S. itineraries, particularly for self-drive and experiential travellers seeking something beyond the traditional gateway cities.
“Agents across Australia and New Zealand are looking for fresh, story-driven experiences to offer their clients,” said Corey Marshall, Canuckiwi Australia/New Zealand Director.
“This mission has been invaluable in building awareness and giving agents the confidence to sell a destination that truly surprises.”
