Meet the 12 Australian and New Zealand travel advisors forming the inaugural Brand USA Ambassador Panel in a first-of-its-kind program opportunity that will see the group champion US travel as local advocates.
The first-ever Brand USA Ambassador Panel are:
- Eloise Manto (Flight Centre SA)
- James Rakus (Flight Centre NSW)
- Jessica O’Grady (Travel Associates Vic)
- Joanne Saunderson (NZ Travel Brokers)
- Kay Gregan (The Travel Brokers NZ)
- Kirsty Jackson (Flight Centre NZ)
- Lauren Zanesco (iTravel NSW)
- Luke Watts (TravelManagers NSW)
- Rebecca Gilbert (House of Travel NZ)
- Siobhan Smith (Helloworld Tas)
- Tash Henningsen (Luxury Escape Vic)
- Tracey Flower (MTA – Mobile Travel Agents Qld)
Commencing 2 April 2025, these chosen retail agents will embark on a 12-month program designed to enhance their expertise, inspire their industry peers and amplify the diverse travel experiences available in the US.
The Brand USA Ambassador Panel’s perspectives will help shape future training initiatives, ensuring advisors have all the tools and knowledge needed to drive demand for the destination.
A highlight of the year-long program will be a famil later this year, enabling panel members to experience an immersive, firsthand trip to explore the US in new and unexpected ways.
Air New Zealand supports the Brand USA Ambassador Panel program as the exclusive airline partner, further strengthening the connection between Australasia and the US, a key market for the NZ carrier.
Brand USA Senior Director, Global Trade Development (APAC) Suzy Shepard said the panel selection process highlighted the passion for US travel among the ANZ travel trade.
“We were incredibly impressed by the high calibre of entries, highlighting the passion and expertise within the ANZ travel trade,” she said.
“Congratulations to the 12 outstanding retail agents selected for Brand USA’s inaugural Ambassador Panel in Australia and New Zealand.
“We look forward to working with these exceptional USA advocates on a range of initiatives over the next 12 months.”
For more info, head to traveltrade.visittheusa.com.au
