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Agents ‘flash mobbed’ at Visit USA

Tuesday, 14 February 2012
 
Agents ‘flash mobbed’ at Visit USA

Last night’s Visit USA expo kicked off in style, with up to 40 exhibitors showcasing the best of the country and their flash mob skills, as delegates from the US broke out into a surprising random flash mob, entertaining the crowds of agents.

With over one million Australian visitors to the USA last year, Visit USA Australia president Geoffrey Hutton explained the importance of the Australian market as interactive travellers who tend to be interested in more than just one city in the US, travelling on average to 2.5 states as appose to other markets.

“Australian’s tend to stay longer and spend more than anyone else visiting,” Consul General, United States of America, Niels Marquardt told those attending the Visit USA expo.

Appealing to this Aussie diversity, the expo showcased up to 40 exhibitors in an array of fun, colourful yet informative stands.  With the regular destinations, attractions and hotels came some new kids on the block including Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, Eagle Rider, Korean Air and many more.

Enjoying the exchange rate and cashing in on the number of Australian travellers who like to make the most of their baggage allowance returning from the US, shopping headlined this year with premium outlet stands showcasing the newest and best in US retail.

Once agents attending the evening had the opportunity to talk one on one with exhibitors, the night continued with a sit down dinner while being entertained by short presentations from each exhibitor, some more entertaining with John Handlery from Handlery Hotels delivering yet another year of laughs and giggles with his presentation while sporting a pair of unique shorts.

No agent walked away empty handed, with a bag full of goodies, while some lucky agents will get a chance to experience the US themselves with a number of prizes given away on the night.

The interactive roadshow is heading on to Melbourne (15 February), Brisbane (20 February) and for the first time in seven years, Adelaide (14 February).




Joe Kaesshaefer – Commercial Counselor, American Consulate General : Niels Marquardt – Consul General, USA : Mark Sheehan – VP Sales & Marketing : Chris Petty – Sales Manager, United Airlines


Heather Anderson – Washington County Visitors Association, Lisa Itel, Travel Oregon


Adam Joseph – Qantas Holidays and Viva Holidays


Estela Martinez-Stuart – Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Carolyn Petty – Tax Free Shopping Texas


Air New Zealand – Lisa Dunn, Elizabeth Hutchinson, Nicole Bennett, Tim Swan


Jennifer Mendoza – The Anabella Hotel, Michael Afram – Southern California Coach


Pinpoint Travel Group – Rebecca Merlino, Margaret Sibraa


Natash – Jetaround Holidays, Claire Bradley – The Walt Disney Company, Zaia – Jetaround Holidays


Tristan Freedman – Visit California, Liz Rodgers – Aviation Reps, Kathryn Smits – LA Convention and Visitors Bureau


Melinda Brown – AFTA, John Handlery - Handlery Hotel



Source = e-Travel Blackboard: K.W
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