Empty pixels side lock up
Empty pixels side lock up

Industry HQ

Share this article

Missed the Visit USA Expo? Catch up on what’s new in the US

The Visit USA Expo just wrapped with all in attendance confirming it as a resounding success. If missing out on US news and a chance to win a trip there gave you a bad case of the FOMOs, we get it. We can’t help you with the missed prize opportunity, but we can give you news from the expo! Make yourself an Americano, then read on.  

The Visit USA Expo just wrapped with all in attendance confirming it as a resounding success. If missing out on US news and a chance to win a trip there gave you a bad case of the FOMOs, we get it. We can’t help you with the missed prize opportunity, but we can give you news from the expo! Make yourself an Americano, then read on.  

Anchorage, Alaska 

Alyeska Nordic Spa, Anchorage
Alyeska Nordic Spa, Anchorage

Visit Anchorage shared at the Visit USA Expo that Alaska’s first-ever Nordic Spa is now open at Alyeska Resort, forty minutes south of the city.  

Featuring indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, a signature sauna, and onsite bistro, this is a welcome addition to Anchorage’s attractions.  

Colorado 

Be as active as you want to be—seek adventure or get cozy in Westcliffe Colorado
Stargazing is one of the many winter activities available in Westcliffe, Colorado

Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour has added three new locations, bringing the total to 10! Yes, 10 epic opportunities to soak in the vast night sky! This includes Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita, and Norwood, all fabulous dark sky locations. 

For more on Colorado’s incredible stargazing opportunities, head here.  

Dallas & Fort Worth  

Blues Alley is a truly collaborative effort between local artists, property owners, and community members.
Blues Alley in Dallas is a truly collaborative effort between local artists, property owners, and community members.

Dallas and Fort Worth have added to their diverse range of tourist attractions. In Dallas, Blues Alley offers an immersive mural experience through the historical neighbourhood of Deep Ellum.  

Did you know that Dallas is the official home of the Frozen Marg? We got the low-down at the Visit USA Expo that their legendary self-guided Margarita Mile is back. Woohoo! 

Visitors to Fort Worth can enjoy a deep dive into America’s favourite cowboy’s life at the new John Wayne Experience.  

Disney 

Ready for an awesome quest across the cosmos to save the galaxy? Take off on an intergalactic chase through space and time with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Take off on an intergalactic chase through space and time with the Guardians of the Galaxy.

The world’s most famous theme parks have unveiled a couple of alluring rides. At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an exciting family-thrill attraction. 

Over at California’s Disneyland, the Avengers Campus has a new Spider-Man attraction, along with other heroic encounters for your little superheroes.  

Hawaiian Islands 

What makes the Hawaiian Islands truly special is not only their stunning natural beauty or vibrant culture - it’s the deeply rooted relationship that connects them. 
What makes the Hawaiian Islands truly special is not only their stunning natural beauty or vibrant culture – it’s the deeply rooted relationship that connects them. 

The Aloha State has overhauled the Hawai’i holiday experience, including the flow of travellers, their environmental impact, and how to preserve the land for future generations.  

Some parks, reserves, and hiking trails now have a reservation system to reduce the overburden of visitor numbers. Pre-booking is now required for six state parks, including O’ahu’s Diamond Head.  

Memphis 

The Central Station Hotel is a Curio Collection by Hilton, located in the historic Central Station building in the South Main neighbourhood in downtown Memphis
The Central Station Hotel is a Curio Collection by Hilton, located in the historic Central Station building in the South Main neighbourhood in downtown Memphis.

Best known for its great history, great food, and great times, Memphis is starting to be recognised for its great hotels.  

Since Australians last stepped foot in the Home of the Blues, a swath of new hotels has opened their doors. They all offer vibes that match the city of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Find out more here.  

Nevada 

Nevada has cool highways, historical places, intriguing ghost towns, soothing hot springs, and cowboys (yeehaw)
Nevada has cool highways, historical places, intriguing ghost towns, soothing hot springs, and cowboys (yeehaw) @Michael Rodock

We recently gave you the low-down on Travel Nevada’s new Specialist Program, encouraging you to reignite your passion and know-how in the Silver State.  

Already popular since its launch in July, the Travel Nevada Specialist Program is the fastest way to learn everything Nevada and stay up-to-date, including six ways to get weird! 

New York City 

'New' York is an ever-evolving, ever-exciting destination where something new is always popping up.
‘New’ York is an ever-evolving, ever-exciting destination where something new is always popping up.

As you might expect from the city that never sleeps, there are new attractions, art, and outdoor sites to entice travellers to visit (or return).  

New hotels support the fresh Broadway shows, spectacular art exhibitions, and new culinary offerings. We’re told that in three years, the new hotel rooms will sit at 12,000!  

There are also now five incredible observation decks to take in the famous NYC views, including the not-to-be-missed SUMMIT One Vanderbilt! 

As we found out at the Visit USA Expo, now, more than ever, It’s Time for New York City.  

New York State 

New York State has a plethora of impressive natural wonders scattered across the state.
New York State has a plethora of impressive natural wonders scattered across the state including Niagara Falls. ©Darren McGee

It’s about to get easier to explore the Big Apple and beyond (like captivating destinations like Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and Niagara Falls). Why? Because Air New Zealand’s direct, thrice-weekly AKL-JFK service commences mid-September, with convenient connection times, too! Bookings are open, btw.  

Check out I Love NY for more New York State news, and read our story on the new route news. That’s a lot of news!  

Oklahoma 

The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is dedicated to the study and appreciation of Bob Dylan.
The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is dedicated to the study and appreciation of Bob Dylan.

Remember when we shared our fave two Oklahoma road trips back in Feb? Well, since then, the Bob Dylan Center opened in Tulsa!  

With exhibits curated from 100,000+ items across Bob Dylan’s career, this is a great addition to Tulsa’s burgeoning art district, bars and restaurants.  

For more Oklahoma news, head here.  

Park City, Utah 

The Pool House is a stylish rooftop setting with stunning views of the mountains, the only rooftop lounge in Canyons Village, and an all-day menu of classic American mountain fare, local beers and creative custom cocktails. Whether you’re poolside in the summer or fireside in the winter, The Pool House is a year-round perch featuring the very best of Pendry.
The Pool House is a stylish rooftop setting with stunning views of the mountains, the only rooftop lounge in Canyons Village, and an all-day menu of classic American mountain fare, local beers and creative custom cocktails. Whether you’re poolside in the summer or fireside in the winter, The Pool House is a year-round perch featuring the very best of Pendry.

Park City has added the contemporary mountain enclave Pendry Park City to its accommodation offerings. At the base of Canyons Village, it joins 2021’s other new properties: YotelPAD Park City, Goldener Hirsch Residences, and AC Hotel by Marriott Park City.  

Another focus at Park City includes their 2022 sustainability initiatives, setting them as one North America’s most ambitious climate-focused cities. The city operations will have a net-zero carbon impact and running on 100 per cent renewable electricity this year!  

Rocky Mountaineer 

Ruby Canyon, Colorado River
This Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon.

Toot toot, Rocky Mountaineer has a new route, Rockies to the Red Rocks!  

Aboard the American Southwest, guests can witness the vast canyons, expansive deserts, natural archways, and mesmerising hoodoos along this epic must-do new rail route.   

San Diego 

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego

Yes, San Diego is a vibrant coastal city, and its recently experienced a cultural renaissance to add to its appeal. 

The revamped Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego reopened to much fanfare, as did the renovated, community-focused Mingei International Museum.  

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park’s new concert hall adds to the venue’s popularity for music, art, and culture. The waterfront views are as impressive as the attending artists!  

The San Diego team at the Visit USA Expo advised to check this out for more cultural news

Seattle 

Seattle ©Rudy Willingham
Seattle is vibrant and buzzing with energy, ©Rudy Willingham

Seattle has had two new hotel openings, both in Central South Lake Union. The space-themed Astra Hotel opened in July, and luxe-as Level Seattle opened in June.  

New attractions in the Emerald City include urban way showers, MoPOP (the Museum of Pop Culture), with their Contact High hip hop exhibition causing hype.  

In November, Seattle’s new gallery, Winter Brilliance opens at Chihuly Garden & Glass. 

For more Seattle news, head here.  

Warner Bros 

Warner Bros Studio Tour
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

There’s a brand-new tour centre at Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood! Go behind the scenes at a real working movie studio, visit sets from your fave TV shows, and get a nosey at what’s currently in production.  

Too good! Find out more here.  

Want more info? 

Now you know why not to miss next year’s Visit USA Expo Week! Mark your calendar as it’s back in February 2023.  

Until then, stay up-to-date with all things USA at Visit USA and like on Facebook Visit USA Australia.

This article is brought to you by:

Visit USA logo email