Visit USA Australia’s VIP Industry welcome event at IPW 2023 in San Antonio rocked the house, leaving a jetlagged crowd of Aussies and Kiwis buzzing (howling?!) with excitement for the action-packed days ahead in the Longhorn State.
After flying into Texas from all over Australia and New Zealand, a spirited 170-strong delegation, along with Visit USA Australia Members, gathered at iconic live venue Howl at the Moon in San Antonio to party on thanks to duelling pianos, a local band smashing out iconic U.S. tunes and plenty of Southern charm.
Now that’s what y’all call a welcome party.
Caroline Davidson, President of Visit USA Australia, expressed her delight, stating, “We’re thrilled to be back at IPW hosting our welcome event. The Australian and New Zealand delegation is stronger than ever, 12% larger than before the pandemic, and the sixth largest globally.
“It’s a clear sign that travel from Australia to the US is bouncing back,” she said.
Aside from Aussie and Kiwi wannabe cowboys and cowgirls strutting their stuff, the welcome event also honoured industry veteran Jon Handlery, CEO of Handlery Hotels, for his unwavering support over a remarkable four decades.
Handlery, a Visit USA Australia Member for 41 years, is renowned for his memorable appearances and lead roles in his hilarious TV ads at Visit USA’s Expos, sporting his signature shorts and long socks.
At the event, he was presented with his iconic outfit adorned with signatures collected from his many supporters in Sydney after a stirring and funny tribute from Cynthia Schmitt, Director of International Sales and Marketing at Citadel Outlets.
Special guests Brian Beall, Director of the National Travel & Tourism Office – NTTO, and Peter Dodge, Senior Manager of Public Affairs – Brand USA, also graced the event.
In addition, event sponsors Delta Air Lines, Los Angeles Tourism & LAX, Gate 7, Travel Texas and TravMedia were present, offering lively updates and warm welcomes for the guests.
Visit USA Australia also announced that they have surpassed 100 members for 2023, evidencing the significant importance of the Australian travel trade in returning visitors to the United States from this market.
Commenting on the milestone, Visit USA Australia President Caroline Davidson said, “We’re delighted at the investment in the Australian travel industry by members both here and in the US, especially over the past twelve months. It’s a fantastic vote of confidence in agents in Australia, the success of our program of events and our partnership with Destination Webinars.”
Ms Davidson also acknowledged the work of Secretariat Aida Osta and volunteer Executive David Clark (Tauck) and James Hewlett (Collette), as well as recent addition and Secretary Belinda Harvey (Discover the World) in propelling the organisation forward.
For more, visit visitusa.org.au or ipw.com
