Having New Zealand at the beginning rather than at the end of Brand USA’s major activity down-under early next year should encourage more US suppliers to take part in the Kiwi side of the roadtrip, says Corey Marshall, chair of the Visit USA New Zealand Committee.

While most of the USA 4 July trade presentation was virtual this week there was also a small live audience to add some atmosphere at the Hawaiian Airlines Auckland offices on Tuesday.

The webinar included pre-recorded messages plus ‘on-the-spot’ updates from airlines, destinations, accommodation providers, cruise lines and more.

• Corey Marshall, Canuckiwi; Dave Nicholson,... Corey Marshall, Canuckiwi; Dave Nicholson,...
• Sonia Francis, Global Travel Network... Sonia Francis, Global Travel Network...
• Chris Ingram, Memphis Tourism; Jono... Chris Ingram, Memphis Tourism; Jono...
• Brooke Jamieson, Helloworld Travel; Allen... Brooke Jamieson, Helloworld Travel; Allen...
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A record turnout of presenters for Visit USA NZ’s ‘Independence Day Virtual Roadshow 2021’ illustrates yet again the vital role the trade will play in the reboot of travel between New Zealand and the United States.

With more than 20 organisations participating including airlines, destinations, hotels, tour operators, and others, the Independence Day webinar event will be streamed live from the Hawaiian Airlines Auckland office on Tuesday 6 July, at 9.30am. The atmosphere will be enhanced by an on-site audience including invited Auckland-based travel trade.

The Visit USA committee is assuring travel agents and brokers that the organisation and its members continue to be active in the market and are ready to support the trade whenever necessary.

The new chair of the committee, Chris Ingram, says despite the challenges and (specifically) closed borders, Visit USA’s members continue to be committed to the industry here.

‘We’ll be running an event around the 4th of July and details will be released to the trade soon. It will be mainly virtual but there will also be a physical element to it, with some people from the trade and media joining us. We’re likely to have up to 20 presenters there.’