Namira McLeish of GTA based in NYC
VoX's Rosalyn Hunter, wearing her 'Texas hat'
Esther Buchbaum and Anita Walker, representing Orlando
Laura Coniglio loves to promote Detroit
The Americans have invaded Canada. In the nicest possible way – after all, we are kissing cousins.
It was a treat to meet so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable travel pros recently, each promoting travel to some of the most tempting corners of the U.S. of A.
The event? The annual Media Marketplace put on by Discover America.
The ladies representing Orlando were promoting cool deals for Canucks. The “Made for Canadians” program offers over 80 special deals such as savings on admission at Wet n’ Wild, on Airboat Rides and more. “We love getting out the message that Orlando is more than theme parks,” says Anita Walker. “There are 176 golf courses within a 15 mile radius, there’s a ton of museums, and we’re rated Number 4 in the U.S. for shopping.”
There’s always something new in Vegas, and this winter is no exception. Cher’s leaving! Celine’s coming back! (In March.) And in Vegas “Cosmopolitan” isn’t just a drink, it’s a brand new resort in the heart of the strip featuring a 43,000 square foot spa.
FIT operator GTA was there too – it’s worth mentioning that the U.S. is their number one destination - and guess what? They can sell you Cirque du Soleil tickets for any show in the world.
For those who think Detroit is just about cars, think again. “Sure there’s a lot of car culture, with the Ford Museum and factory tours, but we also promote culture, music – don’t forget, we are Motown – our three casinos and of course pro sports,” Laura Coniglio said proudly.
Myrtle Beach was thrilled with the new Porter service from Toronto last year and expects to have it revived this winter. “But agents should also know about DirectAir, which flies from Niagara Falls, New York, and Plattsburgh, Vermont,” Kimberly Hartley told me. “There’s free parking, fares are excellent – from $159 return – and they pay agents 10 per cent commission.”
And the news is all good from Texas too. Last year over 360,000 of us headed down to enjoy the dude ranches, the beaches, the birdwatching (#1 in the U.S.) and the BBQ (“A religion in Texas”). Next year, add the Superbowl in Dallas on Feb 6th and you have one big party!
In fact, Porter’s Adam Wilcox speculated that we might be taking over the U.S. one day. After all we share so much: a dollar virtually at par. Interlocking cultures. Sydney Crosby. Kissing cousins indeed.
