The 2023 East Coast USA Tourism Roadshow concluded its grand mission Down Under last week, creating a remarkable buzz in the travel industry. The electric events in Melbourne and Sydney witnessed the outstanding participation of over 220 elite travel agents and media mavens during its week-long Australia and New Zealand extravaganza.
Spearheaded by the titans of the tourism sector – Destination DC, Meet Boston, and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau – the mission was robustly supported by the pillars of the travel industry, Delta Air Lines and Marriott. The event was a golden opportunity for Australia’s premier tour operators, savvy travel advisors, and media magnates to bridge with the representatives from the US, diving deep into the ocean of activities and exhilarating experiences awaiting along the USA’s vibrant Northeast Corridor.
Elliott L. Ferguson, II (President and CEO of Destination DC), Evan Smith (President & CEO, Discover Newport), Natalie Brown (Media Director, Destination DC AUS/NZ), Corey Marshall (Account Director, Destination DC, AUS/NZ), Hannah Wright (Account Director, Destination DC), Stacy Thornton (Director of Leisure Sales, Meet Boston), Miriam Chovanec (Senior Global Tourism Sales Manager, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau), Lindsay Hill (Associate Director, Destination DC), Greg Edevane (Director of Global Development, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau), Martha J. Sheridan (President and CEO of Meet Boston), Gregg Caren (President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau), Carlos Rojas (Director of Sales, Hyatt Regency Boston), Penny Brand (Director of Tourism Development, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau) , Nicole Nussbaum (International Media Relations Manager, Destination DC), Robin Bloom (Director of Content, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau), Karen McCardle (Trade Director, Destination DC), David O’Donnell (Vice President of Strategic Communications, Meet Boston), Chryssaldo Thomas (General Manager, Hyatt Regency Boston), Theresa Belpulsi (Senior VP of Tourism, Sports, and Visitor Services, Destination DC).
But it wasn’t just a conventional corporate meeting. Attendees were spoilt with lavish treatments – from rejuvenating massages and live musical feasts to delectable delights and cocktails representative of each city. The atmosphere is further electrified with interactive photo sessions, creating cherished memories.
Simone Mitchell (Sportslink Travel), Nick Berry (Marriott International), Nicole Bennett (Delta Air Lines) and Natalie Mersin (Sportslink Travel).
In an ambitious announcement, with the bolstering of its FY24 fiscal budget, Destination DC underlined its commitment to magnify its footprint in international tourism campaigns. Their vision? To showcase the kaleidoscope of Washington DC’s offerings – from its decadent culinary delights and immersive experiences to the layers of history and vibrant culture. With a treasure trove of over 100 free activities, including access to 16 dynamic Smithsonian museums, the city is prepping up for monumental events like the grandeur of WorldPride 2025 and the pomp of America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
From Philadelphia, known as America’s birthplace and the world’s most extensive open-air art gallery, came announcements of captivating experiences that promise to redefine travel itineraries. The city is gearing up for significant events like the fierce WrestleMania in spring 2024, the much-anticipated 250th anniversary of America, the thrill of the FIFA World Cup, and the iconic Major League Baseball All-Star Game, all in 2026.
Elliott L. Ferguson, II (President and CEO of Destination DC), Martha J. Sheridan (President and CEO of Meet Boston), Gregg Caren (President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau), Karryn Cutcheon, (Regional Director, Global Sales Australia, Marriot International) Nicole Bennett (Commercial Manager, Delta Air Lines), Corey Marshall (Account Director, Destination DC AUS/NZ).
Boston, the heart of New England, is set on reclaiming and surpassing the mark of 50,000 yearly visitors from the ANZ region. The 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party is on the horizon. But that’s not all; the city will introduce unique destination experiences, an upgraded culinary spectrum, and a fresh spree of entertainment venues to enrich the city’s cultural and entertainment quotient. Moreover, Boston will host nail-biting matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
A cherry on top? Four fortunate agents won an exclusive trip, including Nam Theil from Corporate Traveller, Luke Watts from Travel Managers, and the duo Simon Mitchell and Natalie Mersin from Sportslink Travel. Sponsored by Delta Air Lines, they will join their counterparts from New Zealand, immersing themselves in the latest offerings of Washington, DC, Boston, and Philadelphia.
For those who missed the groundbreaking event, all isn’t lost. Travel enthusiasts are urged to enrol in the destination training programs and subscribe to newsletters to stay abreast of the latest updates.
Written by: Jason Smith
