Visit USA Expo Week 2023 capped a (literally) sparkling run of events on Wednesday night by welcoming travel advisors, partners and exhibitors to Sydney’s Luna Park for its final act of this year’s Expo Series.
With more than 200 agents and 70 exhibitors in attendance, the sold-out Visit USA event followed similarly successful shows in Brisbane and Melbourne earlier in the week.
Held at the Luna Park Big Top, the event dazzled with cowboys, showgirls, MC Richard Reid and presentations by exhibitors. Attendees were also treated to gourmet goodies and beverages throughout the night.
Speaking at the event, Visit USA President Caroline Davidson said “Visit USA Expo Week plays a vital role in connecting the USA travel industry with agents here in Australia”.
“Exhibitors showcase the best of what’s on offer in the USA, and agents can apply that knowledge directly to their clients itineraries,” Davidson remarked.
“Agents and exhibitors alike find so much value in the Expos, and that’s why they keep coming back year after year.”
US Consul General for New South Wales and Queensland, Christine Elder said the outlook for US-bound travel was promising.
“We know the travel industry has faced headwinds these last few years, but we are seeing steady progress with economic recovery,” Elder noted.
“We’re pleased to see air travel capacity between Australia and the U.S. increasing.
“We look forward to working together as the travel and tourism sector recovers.”
Election of committee
Along with the expo event, the Visit USA Australia AGM also took place yesterday, with a new committee elected for 2023.
Executive Committee
President Caroline Davidson – Rocky Mountain International (Great American West)
Vice President David Clark – Tauck
Treasurer James Hewlett – Collette
Secretary Belinda Harvy – Discover The World
Committee
Kate Cuthbertson – GTI Tourism
Tony Soden – Rocky Mountaineer
Richard Carrick – United Airlines
Laura Stephenson – Travel South USA
Andrea Robinson – Disney Destinations
Millie Browne – Linkd Tourism
Michael Cassis – Visit Anaheim
Chris Watson – Chris Watson Travel / Rediscover Travel
Hannah Wright – Travel Oklahoma
Nicole Bennett – Delta Air Lines
Jennifer Gaskin – Hawaii Tourism Oceania
Joanne Motta – Utah Office of Tourism
