As Brand USA readies for the recovery of cross-border travel, the destination marketing organization for the United States is kickstarting the new year with an exclusive virtual trade event on Jan. 13-14 for its top source market.
Members of the Canadian travel trade can register now for the “Focus on Canada” event, which will be hosted on Brand USA’s innovative new Global Marketplace.
Designed to connect the Canadian travel trade with hundreds of high-caliber US destinations and experiences, the event is the single-largest trade initiative the organization has undertaken to date in Canada, which, Brand USA says, underscores the importance of the Canadian market in tourism’s early recovery. Nearly 21 million Canadians visited the United States in 2019.
“After the unprecedented challenges of 2020, we’re excited to turn the page toward recovery and kickstart the New Year with a focus on Canadian travellers,” says Brand USA president and CEO Chris Thompson. “Canada is the largest source market for inbound travel to the United States, which makes sense given our shared border and the strong cultural, economic, and social bonds between our countries.
“When it is safe to do so, travel will resume, and we are excited for the day when we can welcome back our Canadian friends. Our industry remains resilient, and through events like Focus On Canada, we’re working together to build the future of tourism,” he says.
ALL EYES ON CANADA
Focus On Canada is the first event solely dedicated to Canada/US travel to take place on the new Brand USA Global Marketplace. It will highlight the diverse US destinations and experiences available to Canadian travellers and provide Brand USA partners in the US with the latest insights and trends on Canada’s post-pandemic travel mindset.
The recovery-themed event will debut on the new Brand USA Global Marketplace. The custom-built, virtual platform provides always-on access to a wide range of US destinations, attractions, and points of interest tailored specifically for the Canadian and international travel industry.
On Jan. 13, top experts will share the latest insights on Canada’s travel landscape, while on Jan. 14, the Canadian travel trade community can discover the comprehensive resources and tools available on the new platform, connecting them to more than 125 US destinations, attractions, and points of interest in all 50 states, five territories, and the District of Columbia.
In addition to information and ongoing access to the platform, attendees from Canada will have the chance to win prizes, including flights provided by Air Canada, and complimentary packages from some of the nation’s top destinations.
A PLATFORM FOR CONNECTION
The Brand USA Global Marketplace is a completely reimagined version of traditional trade shows and industry events. Not only does it solve the need to come together safely while travel is limited due to the impacts of COVID-19, it’s an ongoing resource for updates on border entry/exit policies, public health protocols, promotional materials, content, and connection opportunities.
“The need to connect online has never been as big as it is today,” says Tom Garzilli, chief marketing officer for Brand USA. “We’ve taken that challenge to heart and created an industry-first hub to bring US destinations together for the first time. Here, you’ll be able to log in from anywhere in the world, including your living room, to learn from the industry’s brightest thought leaders, to stay informed on market updates, and to engage with peers and partners from the US and around the world to support the professional growth of our industry, starting right now.”
For more information and to register, click HERE.