Where in the world is half the tourism industry? They’re in Anaheim, California right now where Visit USA’s annual tourism showcase – IPW – officially started over the weekend.
And to kick things off… Visit USA welcomed two of the USA’s strongest markets – Australia and New Zealand – with a special cocktail reception at the Anaheim Hotel.
For those who don’t know, IPW is Visit USA’s annual international marketplace where thousands of tourism professionals from around the world gather to learn and explore all areas of the USA. Some 6,000 people are in attendance at IPW19, making it one of the most exciting years yet.
Lucy Rowe (Visit USA), Karen Prideaux (Visit USA), Clinton White (Visit USA) Carolyn Davidson (Visit USA).
As well as getting face-to-face time with tourism operators from across the country, delegates will test-taste Anaheim’s finest foods, enjoy local breweries, check out the local Huntington Beach and even be among the first to see Disneyland’s newest land – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
One word – it’s going to be an epic event.
Mel Bednall (Visit California), Jamie Lathrop (Visit California).
Welcoming over 250 Australian and Kiwi delegates at a private poolside party on Saturday night was Lucy Rowe, President of Visit USA Organisation Australia, who revealed that travel from the two markets to the US is stronger than ever.
She said that nearly 1.75 million people from Oceania travelled to the States in 2018 and described them as “amazing numbers”.
Monique Roos (Visit USA), Amanda Davis (Brand USA).
Reaping the benefits of rising figures from Down Under is the city of Anaheim, which not only plays host to IPW19 but is celebrating a huge win as Disneyland Resort California – based in Anaheim – received its largest expansion ever last week, with the opening of its new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land.
Described as the most immersive land, Disney Destination’s Travel and Business Development Manager, Michael Cassis, said that it’s a “phenomenal and exciting time” to visit Anaheim and see Disneyland expanded “like never before”.
Jo Palmer (Gate7), Charles Harris (Visit Anaheim), Tommy Woods (Visit Texas).
“There really has never been a better time to be here and it’s really just the start of a very exciting future at Disneyland Resort that expands our market and brings in more Australian and New Zealand visitors.”
Michael Cassis, Disney Destinations Travel and Business Development Manager
Jon Handlery (Uniion Sq Hotel), Tom Travers (Hotel Beacon), Dominika Dryjski (TravMedia), Mark Sheehan.
IPW19 runs from 1-5 June at the Anaheim Convention Centre where tourism delegates from around the world will meet with hundreds of US suppliers and operators.
The leading international inbound travel trade show is expected to drive $4.7 billion in future travel to the USA.
KARRYON is in attendance, so keep an eye for live updates as well as pictures from Disneyland’s newest land – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
READ THE LATEST US NEWS FROM IPW…
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- First images of Disneyland’s completed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are
- American Airlines removes fees for oversize baggage (incl. skis)
- USA’s big year for tourism & how Brand USA contributed
- An indoor snow park + roller coaster are coming to New Jersey
- Put on a striped suit ’cause a Beetlejuice musical is on Broadway
- New York City opened its first outlet shopping centre
- Florida opens tallest roller coaster that’s designed to mimic a tiger
- Las Vegas has a new club & Cardi B will perform there
- Which US city is #1 for tourism? Surprise, it’s not NYC OR Vegas