Brand USA and Air New Zealand recently sent 12 travel advisors on a destination immersion trip, experiencing epic US adventures on two separate itineraries as part of the inaugural BUSA Agent Ambassador Panel Program.
The 12 Aussie and Kiwi travel advisors enjoyed one of two tailored itineraries from Air New Zealand’s gateway cities of New York City and Houston for a firsthand experience of a range of destinations.
They also sampled Air New Zealand’s different long-haul products, including Economy Stretch, Skycouch, Premium Economy, and Business Premier.
The Northeast itinerary highlighted the iconic sights, history and culture of New York and Massachusetts, and the Southwest itinerary featured a road trip of famous attractions and hidden gems in Texas and Oklahoma.
Highlights of the Northeast itinerary included stays at Hotel Beacon (NYC) and Beauport Hotel (Boston), seeing Chicago on Broadway, riding Amtrak to upstate New York and exploring Salem in Massachusetts.
Ambassadors on the Southwest itinerary stayed at Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa and enjoyed Route 66 icons in Oklahoma, line-dancing in Fort Worth and a welcome from Chickasaw Nation among many other standout experiences.
Both famils merged for a celebratory finale in Anaheim, California, staying at either the Howard Johnson, the Anaheim Hotel and the Castle Inn & Suites close to Disneyland Resort and Greater Anaheim attractions.
The destination immersion trip was designed to educate and expand destination knowledge ahead of 2026 – a year of major events and anniversaries across the USA.
From hosting the FIFA World Cup to America 250 celebrations happening in 2026, the BUSA Agent Ambassador Panel Program goes beyond a traditional famil.
Itineraries focused on destination depth, storytelling and real-time product development to help advisors confidently sell more diverse travel options in the US.
Brand USA Senior Director, Global Trade Development (APAC) Suzy Shepard said: “This famil provided a timely and immersive preparation for America 250, allowing agents to explore historic and culturally significant sites.”
“Ambassadors are now better equipped to inspire their networks and clients who seek meaningful and commemorative itineraries during this landmark year.
“Beyond history, the trip showcased the diversity, unique experiences and local characters that bring the spirit of ‘America the Beautiful‘ to life for Australian and New Zealand travellers.”
To bring this Destination Immersion to life, Brand USA partnered with Air New Zealand, Visit Houston, Visit Fort Worth, Travel Texas, Visit Oklahoma City, Chickasaw Nation, Chickasha Chamber, Visit Duncan, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation, New York City, New York State Division of Tourism, North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Meet Boston, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Visit Anaheim, Disney, Alamo and Amtrak.
For more info and trade resources, visit americathebeautiful.com/travel-trade
