New York State Division of Tourism, in partnership with Beyond the Big Apple and Discover Long Island has concluded a series of travel trade, consumer and media events this week as the state tourism board prepares for an influx of Australian visitors to the USA.
The delegation’s mission began on the Gold Coast, where the New York State Office engaged with key partners in a networking lunch.
Following the Gold Coast, the delegation moved on to host a series of travel trade events in Brisbane and Sydney. In Brisbane, the team collaborated with Expedia TAAP to host a delectable agent breakfast with some of their top selling retail agents and wholesale partners.
The Sydney leg of the mission included sales calls with some key partners and another Expedia TAAP agent event, this time a 3 course dinner at the delicious Bistro George.
A highlight of the Sydney visit was the delegation’s participation in the Good Food & Wine Show, where they hosted media and trade VIPs, partnered with Australian celebrity chef Kirsten Tibballs who created a New York State inspired apple pie using Crown Maple ® Maple Syrup from the Hudson Valley and the states abundance of apple orchards. The New York State showcase also appeared live on Channel 7 Sunrise during the weekend weather segment with James Tobin whilst at the Show, and a competition run in conjunction with United Airlines secured hundreds of entries to win a trip to New York State featuring nights in New York City, Dutchess County and Long Island, as well as Dinner at the iconic Culinary Institute of America, and a Sake Tasting at Dasssai Blue in the Hudson Valley.
To help showcase the diverse culinary and liquid libations on offer across New York State, the team collaborated with Hudson Valley’s Harney & Sons Fine Tea for some Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea tastings, and Finger Lakes winery Living Roots Wine & Co, who offered their flavoursome Reistlings, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris as samples to promote the States status as the 3rd largest wine region in the USA. Both Harney & Sons Fine Tea and Living Roots Wine & Co are available to purchase in Australia, and were big hits with consumers
“With 11 diverse regions extending from Long Island’s famous The Hamptons, to the roaring waters of Niagara Falls, and from the bright lights of New York City, to the art and history of the Hudson Valley, there are so many reasons to Love New York State. This past week we were thrilled to showcase the full breadth of the State with our Australian partners, and drive more inquiry to our trade community through our large-scale activation at the Good Food & Wine Show Sydney. New York State is a culinary destination like no other. It’s the original home of favourites like Buffalo Wings, Thousand Island Dressing, Club Sandwiches and New York style pizza by the slice. And it has one of the largest wine, craft beer and distilleries industries in the USA. So partnering with the Good Food & Wine Show and the extraordinary Kirsten Tibballs from Savour was a culinary pairing made to perfection”. Michael Cassis, New York State Division of Tourism Account Director, AU & NZ.
Joining the mission were representatives from Discover Long Island and Beyond the Big Apple who spoke to the hundreds of experiences and attractions to explore within 2 hours by train from New York City. These included stately homes from the Gilded Age, iconic film and tv locations, wineries, art galleries, shopping outlets, historical sites and golf courses.
The mission will now continue onto New Zealand with several more events planned in Auckland for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Australians visiting New York State can fly via LAX, SFO or HOU with United Airlines ex Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. From New York City connecting flights, train or car hire are all available to get customers out to Long Island or to Upstate New York.
For more information about New York State tourism, visit website.
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