New sales ‘hooks’ from pro-wrestling festivals and innovation trails to riverside dining precincts and important historical anniversaries were highlighted during the East Coast USA mission in Auckland yesterday.

Philadelphia is promoting its considerable historical importance in the lead up to it being part of a three city roadshow (along with Boston and Washington DC) to New Zealand in August. Robin Bloom, director of content at Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau points out that the destination was where the US Declaration of Independence was signed and where the constitution was written.’

Washington DC, Boston and Philadelphia will combine for a major promotion in New Zealand and Australia early August.

The East Coast USA roadshow will begin in Auckland on 8 August with a morning media marketplace, followed by a VIP lunch session for trade, tour operators, media and airline representatives.