By Michael Baginski/ Kicking off today (Monday), a whopping 30 U.S. destinations are taking part in Brand USA’s multi-day Brand USA ‘Canada Connect 2025’ mission, with timely events in Toronto and Montreal that the US DMO acknowledges are taking place at “pivotal moment” amid “shifting travel trends on both sides of the border.”
Following a successful launch last year, the second annual event is designed to “deepen connections between Canadian travel professionals and premier U.S. destinations,” and comes at a time when many Canadians are cancelling or postponing travel south of the border due to anger over a tariff war and continued musings from President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the America’s 51st state.
Successfully launched last year, Brand USA was resolute about going forward with the event again (planned long before the current troubles), stating, “These events provide a meaningful space for industry professionals to come together, exchange insights, and reimagine how we promote U.S. travel experiences to Canadian audiences in 2025 and beyond.”
Jackie Ennis, VP, Global Trade Development at Brand USA, added, “Canada is the top international market for visitation to the USA and this multi-city series provides the opportunity to deliver key updates and share the stories of our incredible partners across the United States as we strengthen our in-market relationships and deepen connections with our northern neighbours, coast to coast.”
Taking place April 28 to May 2, Canada Connect will enable attendees (comprised of Canadian trade, tour operators and media) to gain market insights, and have one-on-one and networking opportunities with U.S. suppliers designed to create new market partnerships and relationships.
“Visit Lauderdale has always and will always support our Canadian friends and neighbours and there is no better way then joining Brand USA on their Canada Connect Mission,” attendee Paul Mason of Visit Lauderdale told Travel Industry Today. “This program is one way for our region, our country, and our tourism community in the States to show our love and appreciation for our Canadian friends and partners.”
The following US organization are taking part:
- Greater Miami CVB
- Sunny Isles Beach Tourism Council
- Houston First Corporation
- Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
- Maryland Office of Tourism
- Visit Baltimore
- meetNKY | The Cincy Region
- Memphis Tourism
- Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
- New Orleans & Company
- Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
- The Countryside of Philadelphia
- Travel Oregon
- Travel Santa Ana
- Travel Texas
- Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Visit California
- Visit KC
- Explore St. Louis
- Visit Lauderdale
- Visit Myrtle Beach
- Visit Panama City Beach
- Visit Salt Lake
- Visit Savannah
- Visit Hershey and Harrisburg
- Kentucky Department of Tourism
- San Francisco Travel Association
- Visit Mississippi
- Visit San Antonio
“As we return to host Canada Connect, we want to underscore the significance of Canadian market to the U.S. travel industry,” concludes Casey Canevari, Director of Global Trade Development in Canada for Brand USA. “This event allows us the opportunity to continue meaningful conversations and strengthen working ties we have developed over decades.”
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