Destination DC and United Airlines hosted six Aussie and Kiwi travel advisors on an unforgettable famil to Washington, DC and San Francisco with VIP treatment all the way.
After a delayed famil due to COVID-19, winners of the United Airlines Trivia and Washington, DC Trivia were on a plane to the US for a whirlwind, bi-coastal trip.
The six winners were Melanie Peacock (World Travellers Rolleston), Thais Defreitas-Laus (Flight Centre Auckland), Sophie Shaw (NZ Travel Brokers Palmerston North), Amy Collins (Orbit World Travel Christchurch), Ellen Goodwin (Flight Centre Baulkham Hills) and Tom Pullan (CTM Travel Wellington).
The group was hosted by Erika Jones (Destination DC), Bianca Corallo (Destination DC), Hannah Wright (Canuckiwi) and Leanne Cheesman (United Airlines).
All about DC
Advisors enjoyed a VIP tour of the nation’s capital, checking out Washington, DC’s iconic landmarks, along with a guided DC Mural Tour of the street art in NoMa and staying at AKA White House, just two blocks from the world’s most famous address.
While in DC, the agents also visited renowned museums such as the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Food is always front and centre of any famil and this one did not disappoint. Highlights included a flavourful experience at Union Market and the Giant National Capital BBQ Battle – a top food and music festival in DC.
SF happenings
Over on the West Coast, advisors explored SF’s famous sites on a Fogcutter Tour of San Francisco that included iconic neighbourhoods and the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.
A Bay Voyager Tour in an inflatable boat saw agents get a different perspective, zipping under the Golden Gate and Bay bridges and riding the waves along the city front.
Foodies were also well-catered for on this trip with a guided three-hour Ultimate San Francisco Food Tour of North Beach, Chinatown and beyond that featured Delicious Dim Sum, Portofino Seafood and more.
The two-day trip to San Francisco included a stay at Handlery Union Square Hotel.
Destination DC Tourism, Sports & Visitor Services Senior Vice President Theresa Belpulsi said: “We were thrilled to welcome the group of winners with a firsthand experience of the unique offerings of Washington, DC.”
“This famil not only allowed them to explore our captivating city but also provided us with the opportunity to build valuable in-person relationships with these esteemed consultants. It is something we have dearly missed over recent years.”
United Airlines National Sales Manager NZ & Tahiti Leanne Cheesman added: “It was great to be back in San Francisco. All tour operators were excited to see international fam tours again after the hiatus caused by COVID and the experience was exceptional.”
