Displaying items by tag:Brand USA

Brand USA has launched ‘More to Love,’ a social-first series featuring Take Me Home, Country Roads that encourages international fans who travelled to and through the United States during the World Cup to return and experience more of the country. 

Agents around the North Island have had their knowledge of the USA tested (in a fun way) this week while also hearing more about Brand USA’s Ambassador programme and gaining an insight into some key locations.

Brand USA hosted trivia quiz events in Auckland and Hamilton, plus a breakfast club get-together in Tauranga this week.

Lexie Miliatis, trade manager ANZ for Brand USA says the response to all three functions was enthusiastic.

‘The World Cup has been great and it gave people the chance to see some of the authentic and special experiences that the US can provide. We’ve had a lot of positive vibes out of that.’

Miliatis emphasised the Get Facts Get Going resource that trade can use to provide accurate and up to date information about entering the United States to the their clients.

‘I think there are clear opportunities when it comes to rebuilding visitation to the USA from New Zealand. Of course the dollar (exchange rate) will be a challenge but the US delivers for clients in so many ways and there are special life-changing experiences to be had.’

Four of New Zealand’s eight new Brand USA Ambassadors were at the Auckland trivia event on Wednesday as were Kiwi representatives from Anaheim, Memphis, Hawaii, Grapevine, Washington DC and Utah as well as Qantas.

• New Brand USA Ambassador Swapnil Bhate, Flight Centre LynnMall; Koby Jonas, Qantas; Marilo Harpley, Flight Centre LynnMall; Aaron Brako, Flight Centre St Lukes
• Darragh Walshe, Hawaii Tourism; Peri McCardle, Destination DC/Grapevine Texas; Lexie Miliatis, Brand USA
• Jessica Oswald, Holly Cliff, Zoe Faldo, all House of Travel Auckland City
• Karen McCardle, representing Utah; Brand USA Ambassador Kimberley McCormick, House of Travel Botany Junction

Brand USA has announced the travel advisors selected to join its 2026 Ambassador Programme.

The new cohort includes eight from New Zealand, who will represent the region as part of the expanded global programme.

The US travel industry will continue to resist the adoption of policies which it feels are damaging to the sector, while at the same time clarifying the situation for intending travellers and promoting positive changes which have occurred, delegates at the IPW American travel exchange in Fort Lauderdale heard this week.

Agents are being urged to mark their calendars for the return of New Zealand’s biggest trade expo dedicated to the USA in February 2026. Brand USA will be hosting the events in Auckland on 18 February and Christchurch on 19 February. Registrations open 13 January.

When it comes to crafting memorable travel experiences for her clients, Kay Gregan believes there’s no substitute for first-hand knowledge.

Encouraging clients to upgrade their flight coming home is among the tips that Brand USA Ambassador Rebecca Gilbert is offering to trade colleagues.

Brand USA has launched Route 66: A Deep Drive. The new webinar series has been developed in collaboration with Destination Webinars, and is designed for travel agents across New Zealand and Australia.

Brand USA is currently engaged in an ‘unprecedented level of dialogue with all levels of government including the White House’, according to Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.

Brand USA is currently engaged in an ‘unprecedented level of dialogue with all levels of government including the White House’, according to Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.