Drop some fun facts and wow your clients with all your East Coast USA insider knowledge.
Last week saw the 2023 East Coast USA Mission hit Australia. More than 220 travel agents and media got the low down on what’s new (or new to us) as part of the week-long Australia and New Zealand roadshow.
But Destination DC, Meet Boston and the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (supported by Delta Air Lines and Marriott) didn’t just share insider tips and give product updates. They treated agents to massages, live music entertainment, tasty treats from each city (custom cocktails included), and fun interactive photo activations.
And of course, there were prizes. Four lucky agents from both Sydney and Melbourne won spots on a winner’s famil in November. With flights supported by Delta Air Lines, Nam Theil from Corporate Traveller, Luke Watts from Travel Managers, and Simon Mitchell and Natalie Mersin from Sportslink Travel will join the two winning agents from New Zealand to experience first-hand the latest and greatest of what Washington, DC, Boston and Philadelphia have to offer.
For the rest of us unable to join them, Karryon got the goss from each city. Here are just some of the fun facts we picked up on location.
Capital ideas: Uncovering the secrets of Washington, DC
WorldPride is coming to DC in 2025 and the nation’s capital is also prepping for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. And Destination DC will be using a budget boost to invest in international tourism campaigns. So chances are you’ll have some clients showing interest in the ‘monumental’ fun that can be had in DC. But did you know these fun facts?
- There are over 100 free things to do in the city. And the Smithsonian museums are amazing. But all those fabulous monuments (including the world’s largest obelisk, the Washington Monument) look great after hours. Sunrise, sunset and in the dark, the well-known monuments take on a new life.
- While Washington DC is renowned for being a Michelin-star city, don’t forget the museum cafeterias (Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the American Indian) and the many food markets. The city is foodie capital too!
- Look for Darth Vader at the Washington National Cathedral. Hint: look to the northwest tower.
- If you manage to catch a glimpse of Major (President Biden’s dog and the first shelter dog to live in the White House) take a moment to reflect on the other pets that have graced the White House. Tiger, bears, a goat and yes, two different presidents kept an alligator.
Bean there, done that? Explore the Boston you don’t know
It’ll soon be the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. And a little thing called the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heading to Boston too. So if you’ve got clients heading to New England, here’s what you have to tell them about Boston.
- Boston is a city of firsts for the USA. Revere Beach was the country’s first public beach, Boston Common was the first public park in America. The first subway system in the US began in Boston as did the first police force in the country.
- There’s some great art to be seen in Boston but maybe get your clients to check out Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It was the site of the biggest art heist in history. A measly $500 million worth of paintings were stolen from here.
- Your clients have to check out the Boston University Bridge. It’s the only bridge in the world where a boat can sail under a train going under a vehicle driving under an aeroplane.
- And nearby Newport, Rhode Island is home to the oldest restaurant in America.
Because it’s always sunny in Philadelphia
Forget those Philly cheesesteaks, the FIFA World Cup and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2026. WrestleMania is coming to Philadelphia next year. Here’s what else you may not know about Philly.
- America’s founding city and the country’s largest Certified Welcoming City also has a reputation as the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. Philadelphia is the mural capital of the world. How do you get that billing? Have over 4,400 murals!
- Mütter Museum houses slides of Einstein’s brain, slices of a human face, and a book bound by human skin. Really glad it hasn’t collaborated with the Please Touch Museum…
- Philadelphia is a ghost hunter’s paradise. As one of the country’s oldest cities, it’s only right that it is also one of its most haunted. Check out the Eastern State Penitentiary and Elfreth’s Alley. IF you dare.
- For those with kids, get your clients to Kids Castle Central Park, an eight storey wooden play structure with labyrinthine passages, twisty tube slides, drawbridges, overlooks and a kids’ elevator, all protected by a giant dragon.
For more fun facts or visitor information about East Coast USA, head to washington.org, meetboston.com, and DiscoverPHL.com.
