Brand USA Talks Travel: Recent Episodes
Brand USA
This new podcast will elevate the conversation concerning international travel to the United States by speaking with leaders in our industry. Subscribe to hear key answers to timely questions, delivered in five minutes. Brand USA is the nation’s destination marketing organization. We work closely with more than 900 partner organizations to invite the world to explore the exceptional, diverse, and virtually limitless travel experiences and destinations available in the United States of America.
The "Carry On Queen" Mary Charleson joins Brand USA Talks Travel to talk marketing strategy, storytelling, and smart packing. From insights into the awards at ESTO to travel trends in AI-driven content, Mary offers actionable tips for DMOs and industry pros alike. Plus: media platforms that travel brands shouldn't overlook. Visit www.fiveminutemarketing.com and www.carryonqueen.com for more.Mary Charleson is a marketing speaker, author, and consultant.
Don Welsh returns to Brand USA Talks Travel to break down the must-know sessions, tools, and trends coming to Chicago this July. With record-breaking attendance, a focus on metrics and funding models, and some seriously fun evening events, the Destinations International Annual Convention is shaping up to be a standout. Bonus: Don shares what really happens behind the scenes.Don Welsh is President and CEO of Destinations International.
Intergenerational travel, last-chance trips, and dealing with over-tourism: adventure travel is evolving, and U.S. destinations have a big opportunity. Shannon Stowell joins Mark to talk about a new adventure travel study, small town experiences and best practices.Whether you’re promoting trails, small towns, or cultural immersion, this episode is packed with real-world guidance for travel marketers.Shannon Stowell is CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and a Founding Board Member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.
As artificial intelligence continues to permeate the travel industry, understanding its use in travel planning is crucial. Carroll Rheem shares key takeaways from a new study titled "Traveler Technology: The State of AI,” including understanding current traveler planning routines, how AI will affect content created for destination websites, and whether consumers will go for specific travel planning AI tools or opt for their favorite general-use AI platform. Plus: would you trust an AI with your credit card?Carroll Rheem is CEO and Founder of iolite group.
IPW is more than a trade show - it’s where the global travel industry connects. So, what should you pack besides your walking shoes? In this episode, U.S. Travel’s Aimee Misako Gabel and Michael Martin join Mark to talk prep tips, networking hacks, and what’s new for 2025 - including the cruise pavilion, super fun Chicago activities, and even a pickleball court. Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran, we’ll help you get the most out of the travel industry’s biggest week.Aimee Misako Gabel is Senior Vice President of Events & Education, and Michael Martin is Director of International Buyer Engagement, both at U.S. Travel Association.
In an era of digital disruption and AI, what’s the best way for destinations to engage with travel media? Chez Chesak, a leader in both outdoor and travel writing, shares strategies for DMOs to build lasting relationships with writers, secure impactful coverage, and navigate the evolving content ecosystem. He also delivers advice for new travel writers. A must-listen for industry professionals looking to refine media outreach.Aaron Wodin-Schwartz, Brand USA’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, joins Mark as co-host.
Success in travel and tourism takes passion, resilience, and the right mindset—but how do you juggle it all?In this special International Women’s History Month episode, Brand USA leaders Angie Briggs and Leah Chandler open up about their career journeys, the transformative power of mentorship, and the art of work-life balance in our evolving industry. Discover how a startup mentality has fueled their personal and professional growth and gain insights into leadership and intention along the way.Leah Chandler is Brand USA’s Chief Marketing Officer. Angie Briggs serves as Brand USA’s Senior Vice President of Industry Partnerships and Engagement & Chief Development Officer.
Confidence and connections drive success in travel and tourism—but what happens when self-doubt sneaks in?In this special International Women’s History Month episode, NYC Tourism & Conventions’ Kim Wright joins guest host Monica Lopez for an honest conversation about imposter syndrome, building authentic confidence, and the power of mentorship. Together, they share personal insights and practical strategies to help industry professionals overcome doubt, strengthen relationships, and thrive in this fast-paced, high-profile field.Monica Lopez is Chief of Staff and Culture, Brand USA.Kim Wright is Senior Vice President, Membership, New York City Tourism + Conventions.
AI is revolutionizing the travel industry, but are destination organizations keeping up? In this special episode for International Women's History Month, guest host Janette Roush speaks with Esra Calvert, and Signe Jungersted about how AI can enhance strategy, efficiency, and visitor engagement. Learn practical ways to integrate AI into your work and why industry-wide adoption is key to staying competitive.Janette Roush is SVP, Innovation and Chief AI Officer at Brand USA. Esra Calvert is Chief Insights Officer at Esra Calvert Consulting. Signe Jungersted is CEO and Founding Partner at Group NAO.
Guest host Casey D’Ambra kicks off our International Women’s History Month celebration with an intimate conversation with Emmy Award-winning storyteller Samantha Brown. She shares memorable experiences, the secrets to great travel content, and insights from 25 years in destination storytelling — all in under 25 minutes.Samantha’s adventures air on PBS in the U.S. and GoUSA TV internationally. Casey D’Ambra is Brand USA’s Director of Content.
Luxury expert Alison Gilmore and Mark explore luxury travel for 2025 and beyond, unpacking VIP experiences, and what’s next for the industry. From the rise of branded residences to how AI is reshaping high-end travel, get the inside scoop on what’s redefining the luxury lifestyle. Alison Gilmore is the Portfolio Director of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM).
How do life stages impact the way people travel? Steven Paganelli joins Mark to discuss the Travel Through Life study and the first-ever Tripadvisor Trendcast 2025. Plus, hear about unexpected trends like "waterculturalism" and gaming tourism that could reshape the industry. Steven Paganelli is Senior Head of Americas Partnerships at Tripadvisor.
Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, Doug’s insights will help you take your communication skills to the next level. Mark and Doug tackle overcoming stage fright, engaging an audience, death by PowerPoint, and avoiding common presentation pitfalls.Doug Lansky has authored ten books, worked as a syndicated travel journalist, hosted a Travel Channel show, and continues to appear as the keynote speaker at travel’s biggest conferences, where he introduces audiences to the newest travel insights and smart tourism concepts.
Kristin Dunne and Dawnielle Tehama introduce the innovative Wayfinder framework, a strategic approach that helps destinations balance tourism with community priorities, foster economic growth, manage risks, and adapt to evolving challenges. Discover how this model enables destinations to thrive while safeguarding their unique character for future generations. Kristin Dunne is Director, Destination Stewardship at Miles Partnership and Co-Deputy Chair at Tourism Industry Aotearoa. Dawnielle Tehama is Senior Associate Principal at Coraggio Group and Executive Director at Willamette Valley Visitors Association.
Explore how Fort Worth, Texas has become a global model for music-driven tourism. Mark is joined by Bob Jameson, CEO of Visit Fort Worth, and Shain Shapiro, Founder of Sound Diplomacy, to discuss strategies that blend music and cultural policy to elevate tourism, economic growth, and quality of life. Learn how data-informed insights, initiatives like the Fort Worth Music Office, and support for local artists are transforming Fort Worth into a cultural hub.
Movies have the unique power to create emotional connections and inspire us to explore the world. Mark sits down with Erik Nachtrieb and Charlie Hartsock, the team behind SetJetters — a groundbreaking mobile app that brings film tourism to life.SetJetters allows fans to step into the scenes of their favorite films with pinpoint accuracy. With over 7,000 iconic locations from more than 1,500 movies, this app transforms movie magic into real-world adventures. As Erik and Charlie put it, “Come for the movie, stay for the experience.”Erik Nachtrieb, CEO, and Charlie Hartsock, CFO, share the story behind SetJetters and why they believe it can revolutionize the way we experience the places we've seen on screen.
Group travel has strong growth ahead and is more demographically diverse than ever, according to Brian Jewell, VP & Executive Editor of The Group Travel Leader. In this episode, Brian debunks stereotypes concerning group travel and explains why the future looks bright. He also shares insight into international groups and faith-based group travel.
We kick off the new year with Jenny Southan, Founder and CEO of U.K. travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender. Jenny shares Globetrender's 5 big travel trend predictions for 2025, from appealing to travelers' sense of nostalgia to uplift from Asia.
Take a journey through some of the top moments of 2024 with insights from Geoff Freeman, Julie Coker, Elliott Ferguson, Cambria Jones, Nick Hentschel, Liz Bittner, David Gilbert, Katie Streater, Taylor Ruoff Snider, Mike Mangeot, Jeremy Jauncey, Sophie Morgan, Nick Hall, Seth Orozco, and Fred Dixon. This special year-end review offers a curated audio tour of the year’s most intriguing conversations.Hear a highlight that catches your interest? Dive deeper by exploring the full episode in our podcast feed.Thank you for joining us this year—safe travels, and we’ll see you in 2025!
Mark and Sammy Malave Jr., Manager of Creative Insights at Getty Images, explore how visuals can transform travel marketing. Discover how Getty Image’s VisualGPS informs creative decisions with data, learn about common image licensing challenges, and understand why authenticity matters. This episode is packed with actionable advice for marketers, content creators, and creatives alike.
Daniel Wiener and Matt Clarke share how KAYAK empowers travelers, explain how destinations utilize their services, and happily debunk common travel planning myths.Daniel Wiener is KAYAK's Senior Director of Ad Sales and Data Partnerships, and Matt Clarke is Vice President of North America Marketing.
From what started as a family passion for David to now being named one of the top five private airlines in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler, David Zipkin chats with Mark about his company Tradewind Aviation. You’ll get a glimpse into the exclusive world of luxury private aviation, plus, sustainable practices that are shaping the future of air travel.David Zipkin is the co-founder of Tradewind Aviation.
Mark quizzes Michelle Denogean about Mindtrip’s proposition for consumers and businesses and how it differs from other products. She also delivers solid career advice for upward mobility in any company.Michelle Denogean is Chief Marketing Officer at Mindtrip and author of GrowUp: Take Your Startup To The Next Level.
Seth Orozco & Nick Hall serve up highlights from an extensive research project that will get you up to speed on developments in destination marketing. Their organizations work with hundreds of global destinations to reach consumers who are ready to travel. This new report is 48 pages of valuable research that you can download for free at https://www.sojern.com/reports/state-of-destination-marketing. Nick Hall is Founder/CEO of the Digital Tourism Think Tank in the U.K. Seth Orozco is Sales Director at Sojern.
Learn how AIANTA connects the 574 tribes across the nation with partners like Leave No Trace and the National Tour Association, meeting the growing interest in Native Tourism while preserving mutual respect and authenticity, and how travelers can participate in Native American Heritage Month during November. Sherry Rupert is CEO of AIANTA, the organization that serves as a united voice for the $15.7B Native hospitality sector.
Our final panel from Travel Week dives deep into growing demand for hidden gems, illustrating how destinations can connect with travelers seeking unique, authentic travel along with more traditional landmarks and luxuries. You’ll also hear how Tourism Exchange USA and receptive tour operators can help. Moderator: April Hutchinson, Editor of TTG Luxury. Panelists: Liz Bittner, CEO of Travel South USA; Nate Huff, President of Tourism Exchange USA; and Lena Ross, Director of Product Development at America 4 You.
Hear the perspectives of a diverse array of travel storytellers. This Travel Week panel explores how destinations can create more seamless and inclusive experiences for travelers from diverse backgrounds. Moderator: Kav Dadfar, Founder of JRNY Travel Magazine. Panelists: Rashmi Narayan, Freelance Travel Journalist; Gerda van't Land, Accessible Tour Operator; and Ben Pechey, Author and Trans/Queer Advocate.
Discover why British travelers are seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, how TikTok is transforming the way people book trips, and why sports tourism is booming. This panel session from Brand USA’s Travel Week 2024 provides a data-driven look into new consumer trends for 2025. Panelists are Simon Calder, Travel Journalist and Broadcaster; Nicky Kelvin, Senior Director of Content at The Points Guy; and Angelique Miller, Vice President at Expedia Group Media Studio.Moderated by Tania Bryer, anchor at CNBC International.
Janette Roush offers you an unflinching look at the urgency of learning and leading the way in this era of artificial intelligence, which is evolving at a rapid pace. Janette Roush is Brand USA's new Senior Vice President of Innovation and Chief AI Officer. Believe it or not, this is Janette’s first week on the job!
If you’re interested in the future of international travel to the United States, this episode is a must-listen. Leaders from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security discuss how their agencies are making travel to the USA safer and easier – and provide updates on the National Travel and Tourism Strategy, record-breaking visa issuance, enhancements to trusted traveler programs, collaboration with the private-sector, and more practical takeaways.Panelists: Alex Lasry, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism, National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce; Brooke Wehrenberg, Outreach & Inquiries Chief, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State; and Brendan Blackmer, Branch Chief, Trusted Traveler Programs, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Moderated by Brand USA's Director of Public Affairs, Peter Dodge.
British television presenter and disability advocate Sophie Morgan shares her inspiring journey with disability, accessibility, and inclusion. This very personal address clearly expresses the physical and attitudinal paradigm shift necessary for travel equality. Sophie challenges us all to take the buzzwords and turn them into reality.
Brand USA’s new CEO Fred Dixon sets the tone for Travel Week 2024 from London. In this episode, he begins to outline his bold vision for the future of Brand USA, the landscape of inbound tourism, and how the U.S. can maintain its competitive edge. Fred touches on market analytics including inbound visitation projections, the current competitive climate and upcoming market opportunities for U.S. destinations.
John David joins Mark to discuss the upcoming "mega decade" of sports in the U.S., featuring events from the FIFA World Cup to the Olympics. Learn how communities large and small are tapping in, and discover the resources Sports ETA offers to help destinations score big in the competitive world of sports tourism.John David is the CEO of the Sports Events and Tourism Association.
Leonard describes how he’s built out Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions for destinations. He also offers advice for those just entering the travel industry and talks about how to grow your career. Leonard Hoops is President and CEO of Visit Indy, so we just couldn’t resist chatting about the Indy 500, too.
Mark chats with Leona Reed about why VCA is going all-in on Tourism Exchange USA to better deliver on California’s brand promise internationally. Leona also talks organizational lift and logistics of launching the exchange, and how this new partnership adds a critical missing element to their established travel trade strategy. Plus, Nate Huff provides updates on state participation, what to look for in year two and early success stories. Nate Huff is President of Tourism Exchange USA.Leona Reed is Associate Vice President of Global Marketing at Visit California.
Learn how players like Major League Baseball and Broadway are utilizing conversational A.I., and how DMOs can do the same to enhance visitor engagement. Dan Flores, Head of Tourism at Satisfi Labs takes us behind the scenes of effective A.I. implementation. Plus, you’ll get Dan’s tips on several new A.I. products.
Discover how Gen Z and Millennials are shaking up the industry, how technology is reshaping the competitive landscape and why authenticity is crucial for travel brands. Seth unpacks these key findings from the Skift State of the Industry 2024 report.Seth Borko is Head of Research at Skift.Download your copy here: https://skift.com/insight/state-of-travel/
Mark has questions and Kara has answers! Is there a point where DMOs can, and should, start using AI to generate public-facing content even while acknowledging that there are going to be errors? Is it ethical to use AI images which may be composites? We discuss these questions and more with Kara Franker, the new CEO of Visit Florida Keys. Kara is also an attorney - and a former NFL cheerleader.
Utah is celebrating a centennial of Film and TV creation in the state. You’ll hear about the long history of filming, how residents feel about productions, incentives for companies, screen tourism, and how Sundance has evolved. Virginia Pearce is Director of the Utah Film Commission.
Sally says: “The goal is not to be better than your competition. The goal is to be different.” This episode is packed with research-based insights that have highly practical applications. To understand Sally’s approach and obtain an understanding of your own personality strengths, our listeners can take a free version of the “Fascinate” test at HowToFascinate.com/BrandUSA. Sally Hogshead is a New York Times bestselling author, National Speakers Association Hall of Fame speaker, and CEO of How to Fascinate.
Sports has become one of the largest-growing sectors in the travel industry. Are you prepared to take advantage of all the major activities coming to the USA? Dan Mickelson, Sports Diplomacy Chief at the U.S. State Department, and Justin Charschan, Senior Manager, Ticketing, Tourism & Ancillary Revenue at Major League Baseball, are ready to work with the travel trade and destinations in generating incremental tourism opportunities. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in sports tourism.
Innovation meets opportunity as Jeremy explains how B.D. amassed and continues to grow 50 million+ social media followers. We also learn about their new artificial intelligence travel planner called “Ask Layla.” Jeremy Jauncey is Founder/CEO of Beautiful Destinations.
Rafael Villanueva and Art Jimenez take us beyond Burning Man and gambling in Nevada, diving into promoting cross-visitation and expanding engagement in international markets.Rafael Villanueva is the CEO of Travel Nevada. Art Jimenez is the Executive Director of Visit Reno-Tahoe. Believe it or not, they’ve known each other since they were kids!
Three short-form social media pros discuss content length, messaging frequency, internal staff size, and how to deal with weekend posting when consumers remain active.Pamela Knowles is Director of Brand & Content Strategy at Visit Savannah.Claudia Murtha is Multimedia Creator at Visit Bucks County.Joshua Albrecht is Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Milwaukee.
Researcher Philip Rist and CMO Shane Brossard discuss customizing travel experiences to take advantage of evolving consumer behavioral trends. You’ll also hear recommendations for adapting offerings to better align with economic realities. Shane Brossard is Chief Marketing Officer at Travel Wisconsin. Philip Rist is EVP of Strategy at Proper Insights & Analytics.
Perhaps the closest you can come to celebrity at ESTO in Columbus is meeting Amir Eylon, CEO of Longwoods International. We managed to pull him away from the crowds long enough to discuss politics and travel decisions, tourists using electric vehicles on vacation, and doing good with ESTO Cares.
One of the highlights at ESTO is the GoUSA TV Storytelling Awards, recognizing best-in-class storytelling from DMOs across the USA. Hear tips on how to create entertainment-first travel shows from Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer at Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB; Mandy Barton, Manager of Marketing & Special Projects at New Orleans & Company; Sharon Broussard, Advertising and Campaigns Manager at Explore Louisiana; and Jordan Wollman, Vice President of Miles Partnership and Head of Creative & Development at Odyssey Studios.
Find out how it feels to receive this industry honor. Houseboats, pet tourism, and bourbon are also on the menu with Mike Mangeot, Commissioner at the Kentucky Department of Tourism and newly-named State Tourism Director of the Year at ESTO 2024. We finish up by touching on transitioning through various positions in travel to grow a career and GoUSA TV's "One Perfect Day In Kentucky."
Get an inside look at the partnership between Illinois and Expedia and learn what might work for you. Jennifer Andre from Expedia and Daniel Thomas from Illinois dish details about their global work together. We also discuss Expedia’s plan to be “The World’s Travel Media Network,” first-party data, an update on third party cookies, and IPW 2025. Jennifer Andre is Global Vice President of Business Development at Expedia Group. Daniel Thomas is Deputy Director at Illinois Office of Tourism.
Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi, Interim CEO at the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, suggests solutions for overtourism to specific sites, tells us about a highly unique approach to inviting visitors to participate in volunteer programs, and discusses Hawai'i's sustainable future.
To kick off our live coverage of ESTO 2024, Mark meets with the champion of this year's host city: Brian Ross, President and CEO of Experience Columbus. They discuss a public relations home run in Forbes, the process of becoming an ESTO host city, how recent high-profile sporting events have affected visitation, and the city's approach to MICE.
Want find out why YOU should attend, or perhaps you’d like a few tips on how to convince your boss to send you? After you hear what John has to say, you’ll wanna go! We also catch up with John about a few recent key LGBTQ+ research findings.The IGLTA Global Convention is October 23-26 in Osaka, Japan. John Tanzella is CEO of IGLTA and the IGLTA Foundation.
Katie Streater is a Rockstar - and you can be one too, if you’re under 30! It’s not too early for next year’s contenders to start thinking about how to be named a “30 Under 30.” Get the inside scoop from Brand USA’s Katie Streater, one of this year's 30, and from D.I.’s Taylor Ruoff Snider. Katie Streater is Senior Coordinator for Global Trade Development at Brand USA. Taylor Ruoff Snider is Senior Manager of Professional Development at Destinations International.This wraps-up our D.I. 2024 series. Live from ESTO is coming soon!
If a synthetic modeling ecosystem for planning and decision-making sounds intriguing to you, don’t miss this episode! We begin with Canada's Melissa Radu and Alexis Kereluk on defining regenerative tourism, the importance of integrating plans across business units, and reducing the carbon footprint of the visitor economy. Melissa Radu is Executive Director of Destination Stewardship at Explore Edmonton Corporation. Alexis Kereluk is Co-Founder and Partner at ConnectSeven Group.
Ottawa Tourism’s Michael Crockatt, Kelly Haussler, and Mary Sayewich educate us on the Canadian capital's approach to destination stewardship, working with indigenous people, and building a future of frictionless travel between the two countries.Michael Crockatt is President and CEO, Kelly Haussler is Director of Destination Development, and Mary Sayewich is Director of Strategy and Project Management, all at Ottawa Tourism.
For the 200th episode of Brand USA Talks Travel, Mark meets with two experts in tourism research, Anna Blount & Dr. Whitney Knollenberg. They discuss gathering and using data in ways that are community-focused, working with local universities for research, emphasizing teamwork between data vendors, and the importance of the future-ready destination data toolbox.Anna Blount is Vice President of Research at Longwoods International. Dr. Whitney Knollenberg is Associate Professor of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University.
Find out if PATH could help solve workforce shortages in your community. Meredith Darden and Warren Wilkinson present the backstory on the creation and execution of the Professions Across Tourism & Hospitality (PATH) program. Visit Corpus Christi was the first to create PATH, and then Visit Overland Park adopted the approach. You’ll learn how to build relationships in the education community and how to develop your own PATH program and curriculum.Meredith Darden is COO at Visit Corpus Christi. Warren Wilkinson is President and CEO at Visit Overland Park.
How should DMOs evaluate artificial intelligence tools? Hear a take from Jason Swick, Vice President of Strategy and Insights at Simpleview. You’ll also get suggestions about using specific prompts for better results, and suggestions about leaders to follow in the AI field so you can continually hear about new developments.
Keeping employees happy and motivated is complex. Elliott Ferguson and Cambria Jones chat with Mark about attracting and motivating talent, mentorship programs, and setting expectations for advancement. If you’re considering looking for a new job, you’ll also get advice for your next interview interaction. Elliott Ferguson is CEO of Destination DC. Cambria Jones is Vice President of Marketing at SearchWide Global (and we have breaking news about Cambria, too!)
If the thought of speaking in front of people fills your stomach with butterflies, you're not alone - take it from Josiah Brown, known as "The New York Sherpa." Josiah shares secrets on becoming a powerful public speaker, and also offers an approach for local advocacy at smaller destinations.
Embracing accessible and inclusive tourism requires focus, education, and empathy. Marks meets with Sophia Hyder Hock and Rory Archibald to discuss the latest research concerning accessible travel, the necessity of a communication plan, and ideas that will quicken your progression from design to execution. Rory Archibald is Head of Association Sectors and Marketing at Visit Scotland. Sophia Hyder Hock is Chief Inclusion Officer at Destinations International.
With 25+ years at the same DMO, Deana Ivey demonstrates how to grow as your city expands - plus, we hear about producing large events in-house, working on the set of their movie It All Begins With A Song, and giving a young Taylor Swift her start. Deana Ivey is President and CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation.
Is there a difference between EDI and DEI? Timothy Bush and Barbara Karasek also discuss education on inclusion, how a destination starts integrating inclusion locally, and details about D.I.’s focus on social inclusion. Barbara Karasek is CEO and Co-Owner of Paradise. Timothy Bush is Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Lake Charles.
Fact: When constituents value something, it gets funded. In our first D.I. 2024 episode, we explore how to better express value by actively using new metrics and indicators, looking at massive datasets and making better marketing decisions. Ted Sullivan is Chief Marketing Officer at Zartico. Andreas Weissenborn is Vice President of Research and Advocacy at Destinations International.
Learn about the growth of LGBTQ+ travel market, how destinations can become more welcoming, and the language surrounding identity. Billy Kolber and Ken Porpora are Co-Founders of HospitableMe.
ESTO is August 11-13 in Columbus, Ohio, and this year's theme is "Ignite Your Spark." Mark is joined by Aimee Misako Gabel and Angie Briggs for a first look at this year's convention, advice for first-time attendees, and tips for maximizing your stay. We also hear from Jody Raida about the upcoming GoUSA TV Storytelling Awards and how destinations can still participate before the deadline to enter.Aimee Misako Gabel is Senior Vice President for Events and Education at U.S. Travel Association.Angie Briggs is Vice President of Destination Engagement at U.S. Travel Association.Jody Raida is a Content Consultant for GoUSA TV.
Having a huge international customer volume enables Nick to observe travel trends from a very unique perspective. Hear about the current state of global travel, with projections for the next few years. We also cover the bankruptcy of Europe’s third largest tour operator and the latest on China - plus, Mark quizzes Nick about other career options he considered outside of the travel industry. Nick Hentschel is Chief Operating Officer at AmericanTours International.
Learn about the secret sauce behind Puerto Rico’s approach to storytelling. Mark also explores the relationship between a CMO and a CEO at a DMO, and you’ll find out about the "United Voices" campaign partnership with Afar. Leah Chandler is Chief Marketing Officer at Discover Puerto Rico.
DMOs frequently express interest in expanding Sports Tourism. Learn from an expert in both fields who could teach a masterclass in developing the right infrastructure for success. We get a take on building large new sports facilities, and find out when it’s worth taking a chance on sports events that may not produce a profit. David Gilbert is CEO at Destination Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
Will the next big trend in luxury travel be travelers seeking silence, or maybe blink travel?Tom Marchant, Co-Founder of the Black Tomato Group, shares how luxury travel is being redefined by modern travelers, the value of word-of-mouth publicity, and being named one of the "48 people changing the way we travel" by Condé Nast Traveler.
Jessica informs us that 97% of travelers want their travel dollars to have a positive impact in the communities they visit. To understand where sustainable tourism is headed, we cover global trends at the intersection of travel, philanthropy, and sustainability. Find out how Kind Traveler works with destinations and hotels. Plus, learn about key factors that travelers utilize in evaluating destinations for sustainability. Jessica Blotter is CEO, Co-Founder, and Editor-In-Chief of Kind Traveler.
Join Chris for a ride in the Brand USA Talks Travel Time Machine as he reflects on challenges and accomplishments during his tenure as CEO. Mark also surprises Chris with comments from friends, who recount inside stories about times together. If you’re one of Chris’ friends and we didn’t include you on this podcast, we sincerely apologize. Truth is that if we’d contacted all his close pals, the show would have been hours long! It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, and it's a tad melancholy. Tissues optional! This is our last Live From IPW 2024 episode, and a keepsake for Chris in his retirement.
Hear from Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, on participating in the Media Marketplace at IPW, working with other destinations, and optimism in travel and tourism.
US destinations can learn something from Tampa, Florida about leveraging unique strengths and partnering with neighboring cities. From their acclaimed airport, to becoming a Michelin Guide city, to the DMO's very own beer & branded scent, Mark has a fun time with Santiago C. Corrada, CEO of Visit Tampa Bay – and you will too!
Mark is joined by Lucio Rossi, a 30-year veteran of Italian travel journalism. Lucio offers his take on Italian perceptions about the United States, the current state of travel journalism in Italy, and promoting visitation to the USA's lesser-known State and National Parks.
Mark sits down with Audrey and Casey to hear stories about Brand USA's recent MegaFam from Canada. We also get an update about Air Canada and details about Brand USA’s Canada Connect. Audrey Tanguay Beaudette is Air Canada's Manager for Global Sales and Tourism Partnerships. Casey Canevari is Brand USA's Senior Manager for Global Trade Development for Canada.
Following IPW's much-anticipated tradition of a private Broadway show at lunchtime, Mark sits down with Bob Hofmann to learn about Broadway Inbound’s backstory, and how the organization works with tour operators and travel agents to showcase that "No trip to New York City is complete without Broadway." Bob Hofmann is Vice President of Broadway Inbound at the Shubert Organization.
Mark and Macharia cover the latest on the Visa Waiver Program, Global Entry, and Mobile Passport Control, as well as rules concerning travelers from Cuba and Hungary. We also get a rare taste of Macharia's legendary karaoke prowess. Macharia Davis is Branch Chief for the Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA) and the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS).Download the Official ESTA Mobile App Marketing Toolkit and sign up to receive travel updates here: https://linktr.ee/VisaWaiverProgram
Did you know that San Antonio is home to the only ultra-accessible theme park in the entire world? Marc Anderson, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio, shares insights on the effects of hosting IPW in 2023, as well as the city's DEI efforts and rapid growth. He also offers advice to next year's host city for IPW, Chicago.
To learn how visitors from various countries are returning to the USA, Mark chats with Brand USA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Staci Mellman, and Jackie Ennis, Vice President, Global Trade Development. Hear the latest visitation stats and some very interesting specifics about new traveler behavior patterns. For those interested in the return of international travel to the United States, this is a must-listen.
Hear about Visa wait times, innovation in the approval process, and the latest Visa statistics from the Federal government. Brooke Wehrenberg is The Department of State's Visa Office Outreach and Inquiries Chief.
Mark meets with Adam Burke, CEO at Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, to go behind the curtain for IPW 2024. They also discuss the approach to marketing L.A.’s many cool neighborhoods, obtaining one more night of visitation, and showcasing the destination's remarkable diversity.
Broadcaster André Coutinho has advice for destinations regarding group trips for journalists. André also offers an insightful look at how Brazilians perceive and navigate America's diverse destinations, from discovering hidden gems to breaking down stereotypes. André is a host on Bandnews FM and Partiu, BandNews! and on YouTube.
Liz shares milestones from her 20-year Travel South journey, discusses the organization’s pioneering adoption of Tourism Exchange USA, and provides insight into her innovative approach to strategic storytelling efforts.Liz Bittner is CEO of Travel South USA.
In our inaugural IPW 2024 episode, Geoff Freeman, CEO of U.S. Travel expounds on the organization's mission to address challenges and seize opportunities in accelerating the growth of intentional tourism. Mark and Geoff also discuss Chris Thompson’s retirement and Fred Dixon’s appointment as CEO of Brand USA.
It's only fitting that Mark turned to AI to come up with the perfect questions to ask Chris Donahoe, Executive Vice President and Head of AI Strategy at Edelman Smithfield. The two dive deep into the current state of AI, including "invisible" technologies that already exist, case studies involving PR and ROI, and the ethics of using artificial intelligence to get ahead.
Are you ready to give back to the travel industry and local communities? Mark meets with Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares and founding member of The Future of Tourism Coalition, to discuss how you can participate in good work. They also cover sustainability, the Meaningful Travel Map, and tackling tourism's most pressing issues.
From our friends at Skift, host Miguel Neves explores four diverse destinations, speaking with Tommy Woods, Travel Texas; Jim McMichael, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Tara Miller, Destination DC; and Martha Sheridan, Meet Boston. Each destination provides insight into what attendees can expect when meeting with them at IMEX Frankfurt 2024.
We’re excited to introduce you to Aimee Misako Gabel, U.S. Travel’s newly hired SVP, Events and Education. After a quick chat with Aimee, Mark grills Michael Martin about this year’s IPW activities, networking, and maximizing your time at the convention. IPW 2024 is May 3-7 in Los Angeles. Michael Martin is International Relations Manager at U.S. Travel.
Get your first look at DI's annual convention, slated for July 16-18 in Tampa, Florida, including key sessions, new themes, and a glimpse into the CEO lounge. Mark and Don also discuss DI's recent study, "Destination Promotion: A Catalyst For Community Vitality," and social responsibility within travel and tourism. Don Welsh is CEO of Destinations International.
For the final installment in our special series celebrating Women's History Month, Brand USA's CMO Staci Mellman meets with Claire Irvin, Head of Travel at The Times and The Sunday Times in the UK. They cover the role of AI in journalism, how to build diverse and high-performing teams as a leader, and how young women can set themselves up for professional success.
For our fourth special episode celebrating Women's History Month, guest host Staci Mellman meets with Stephanie Young, President, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures & Expeditions, and Disney Institute for Disney Experiences. They discuss how Disney built a strong team culture emphasizing collaboration, the necessity of listening to one's instincts, and the single most important piece of career advice that Stephanie ever received. Staci Mellman is CMO at Brand USA.
In our third episode celebrating International Women's History Month, guest host Staci Mellman meets with Sarah Lehman, CEO of Zartico, to discuss their mission of empowering destinations through informed, data-driven decisions. They also examine the tech world's bro culture, connecting the dots of one's career path, and how sharing vulnerability makes for powerful leadership. Staci Mellman is CMO at Brand USA.
In our second special episode celebrating International Women’s History Month, guest host Staci Mellman and Ellen Davis from U.S. Travel delve into the fascinating intersection of retail and travel, discussing how these industries influence and complement each other. They also share insights on empowering women to advocate for themselves and support one another in the workplace, highlighting the importance of educating the next generation to become allies in fostering gender equality. Ellen Davis is EVP, Business Strategy and Industry Engagement at U.S. Travel. Staci Mellman is CMO at Brand USA.
Brand USA CMO Staci Mellman guest hosts four special March episodes in which we connect with leaders in the Travel Industry. In this series debut, Staci gets personal with Katie Briscoe, CEO of MMGY Global. Katie is the first woman to serve as CEO in an organization that is over 40 years old. Topics include keeping a marketing organization at the top of its game in a constantly evolving marketing environment, the importance of having a trustworthy mentor, and the standards and expectations that women encounter in leadership roles.
Patrick Higgins, SVP at Connect Meetings and BizBash Sports, converses with Mark about how the LinkedIn Group he manages benefits the travel industry, and how you can participate and even create your own discussion group. They also examine Patrick’s specialty work in international sports tourism and how MICE is moving forward in 2024.
Mark covers a lot of ground with San Diego Tourism Authority’s CEO Julie Coker. They discuss how to leverage assets to increase international tourism, the importance of mentors, and how to become an active listener when one serves on many Boards.
Mark chats with the four key players from the new GoUSA TV show, “American Beats.” Rupert Maconick, founder of Saville Productions, Director Tamara Rosenfeld and hosts Chunz & Makh talk about the joy associated with musical discovery and the elements that go into creating a great travel TV show. “American Beats,” is now live on GoUSA TV.
Brand USA’s Travel Trade team has been busy planning out the year and our Vice President for Global Trade Development, Jackie Ennis is here with details. We also hear about recent missions to Mexico and India. Plus, catch the latest international travel trade trends.
When it comes to predicting travel patterns, few are better equipped than Adam Sacks, Founder and President of Tourism Economics and a member of the U.S. Department of Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. We discuss Tourism Economics' latest research, including China recovery, trends in remote-work/bleisure travel, and why research insights are so important to success. Plus, did you know that Adam plays guitar and sings? Hear him for yourself on this episode!
Allen Orr, Founder of Orr Immigration Law and Brand USA Board Member, suggests a positive path to dealing with the U.S. Visa backlog. We also discuss Allen’s advocacy work with underrepresented communities, how homelessness affects tourism, and the visas required for foreign nationals to work in the U.S. travel industry.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association has a lot planned this year; you'll want to know about it so you can schedule your calendar. We also hear about the state of hotel labor, as well as new trends in this vertical that effect all of us who work in tourism. Chip Rogers is CEO of AHLA.
Martinique expresses why creating authentic, diverse content is vital to all destinations. We also discuss allocating specific budget to DEI work, and her experience appearing in "Black Travel Across America" on Disney+. Martinique Lewis is President of the Black Travel Alliance, Creator of the ABC Travel Greenbook, and a Travel Consultant.
Meet Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Learn about their mission, effect on legislation, and how they work with destinations.
Nick Hall, Founder of the Digital Tourism Think Tank, works with hundreds of destinations globally. Mark meets with Nick at their offices in Canterbury, England to get his perspective on content creation, hear about the new State of Destination Marketing 2024 study, and upcoming DTTT events in Europe.
How does the US rank when compared to other countries for accessibility? Mark discusses with Alvaro Silberstein, Co-Founder of Wheel The World. Alvaro shares how his visit to Yellowstone National Park began a chain of events that led him to become the founder of a travel accessibility company. We discuss common misconceptions about accessible travel, as well as opportunities for DMOs who are just getting started in welcoming travelers with disabilities.
There are those harnessing artificial intelligence right now. These pioneers are not waiting for the future to arrive; they are embracing AI tools already. Marketing Disrupter Henry Cowling explains how to “talk to your data,” how to speed up the creation of assets, and how AI can be used for better media placement. Henry Cowling is Chief Innovation Officer at Media.Monks, which has recently been named Adweek's AI Agency of the Year.
Mark dives deep into a terrific tourism relationship between Visit Greater Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. You’ll hear about how to grow mutual respect, understanding, and tourism from Colleen Pace, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Visit Greater Palm Springs, and Kate Anderson, Director of P.R. for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by learning how you can take your destination to the next level.
At SXSW in Australia, we were introduced to “Song Confessional,” a mobile recording studio team who welcome attendees to anonymously confess secrets - from the mundane to the shocking - and then turn the confessions into one-of-a-kind songs. Mark speaks with Creator/Producer Walker Lukens, an Austin-based musician who’s been described as “the best songwriter in Texas,” and Rylan Keturi, of 7S Management. Hear about how they work with Destinations, and listen to a song from the mobile studio.
We meet with Hugh to discuss Brand USA’s recent participation with SXSW in Sydney, Australia, and hear other international possibilities for destinations. Few people are more tapped into event planning, developments in tech, music, and culture than Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer at SXSW. Anyone working in planning conferences and conventions in the Travel Industry can learn a lot from what Hugh says in this podcast. Plus, we discuss SXSW’s amazing historical musical line-up, from Johnny Cash to Beck to Billie Eilish.
Hear how the Tourism Exchange creates new opportunities for Suppliers, Distributors and Destinations.Early Travel Exchange adopters Nick Laister, Owner of Fairytale Farms, and Kathryn Davis, Managing Director of Visit West, share their experiences with this groundbreaking new platform. Nick runs a small business and Kathryn is at a destination. Nate Huff, President of Tourism Exchange USA, provides an overview. The session is moderated by Staci Mellman, Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing at Brand USA.This episode was recorded live at Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe 2023.
British-American Broadcaster, Author, and Co-Host of the “Men in Blazers” podcast, Roger Bennett and Brand USA's Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Aaron Wodin-Schwartz, reignite a passion for all things USA in this Travel Week chat. We delve into the enduring promise of America, the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S. and commiserate over supporting losing sports teams on both sides of the pond.
Our expert panel discusses consumer demand for sustainability in travel, climate change effects, potential policy change, the latest research on the subject, and needed innovation. Panelists include Nejc Jus, Head of Research at the World Travel and Tourism Council; Chip Rogers, President and CEO of American Hotel and Lodging Association; and Eric Hansen, Senior Vice President of the US Travel Association. Moderated by Brand USA’s Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Aaron Wodin-Schwartz.This episode was recorded live at Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe.
Phil Marshall from Sky Sports speaks with Rowena Samarasinhe, Dave Goodger & Ben Martin about the best to ways to position sports to drive visitation to America. The panel discusses creating a blend of memorable experiences that includes sporting events, authentic storytelling around sports, and the growth of international sports tourism.Dave Goodger is Managing Director, Europe and Middle East at Tourism Economics. Ben Martin is CEO, Pitchside Sport and Entertainment. Rowena Samarasinhe is Partner at LEVEL, Managing Director at GENSport, and a TEDx Speaker. The episode was recorded live at Brand USA Travel Week UK & Europe.
Panelists Helen Brocklebank - CEO, Walpole, Karen Joyce - General Manager, EMEA, Virtuoso, and Toby Skinner - Features Director, Conde Nast Traveler dissect trends in luxury travel, the importance of storytelling in the luxury travel space, luxury travel experiences that transform, and different demo experiences. The panel is moderated by Brand USA’s Mathu Premaruban, Senior Director, Marketing Communications & Public Relations. This episode was recorded live at Brand USA Travel Week U.K. & Europe 2023.
Mark and John discuss how the travel industry can better serve the accessibility market, what options are available to DMOs who might not know where to begin, and current opportunities in accessibility marketing. John is one of the few people in the travel industry to hold the Accessibility Certification from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. He is CEO of Accessible Travel Solutions.
Mark and Aaron Wodin-Schwartz sit down for a bittersweet farewell to Julie Heizer, retiring from her role as Deputy Director at the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Travel and Tourism Office. Julie shares lessons learned throughout decades of promoting travel and tourism to the United States, the unique nature of tourism as a business built on relationships, and how current travel and tourism professionals can welcome the next generation into the industry. And, oh yes, Julie names names!
Scott dishes on using card points to your benefit – knowledge he gained from his tenure as Executive Editor of The Points Guy. We also discuss the traveler's "bed-to-bed experience" as opposed to the traditional “sidewalk-to-sidewalk" approach, and how content curation can add authority to messaging. Scott Mayerowitz runs his own consultancy, GlobeTrotScott, and has a long career in editing and reporting on travel and business for ABC News and the Associated Press.
Marks digs into Matador's newest product, GuideGeek, one of the first artificial travel planners for consumers that offers answers to most questions concerning travel. We cover AI mistakes and how that affects brand authority, interaction of live agents with customers, and how destinations might utilize GuideGeek. Ross Borden is CEO of Matador Network.
Google Travel’s Head of Content Partnerships, Rachita Awasthi, helps destinations and their constituents drive discoverability online. She explains the Google travel initiative, free tools, education, and best practices for producing video to be surfaced on Google and YouTube.
John reflects on the history of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, being authentic with content and marketing, and expanding LGBTQ+ tourism by demonstrating its social and economic impact, along with offering convention details. John Tanzella is President/CEO of IGLTA.
“You don’t have disruptive technology if no one is getting upset,” says Chris. In this final episode from ESTO 2023, learn what A.I. tools you can use right now with travel images and video - plus, we touch on hallucination, scaling, and “Guide Geek,” a new A.I.-based travel planner on WhatsApp & Instagram. Chris Collins is Founder of Tipodean Technologies.
We discuss Expedia’s latest consumer study, “the new traveler path to purchase,” which includes Canada, U.K., Mexico, Japan, Australia, France and the USA. We also chat about cooperative marketing and our new Expedia/GoUSA TV partnership, the “Shop This Trip” platform. Krista Bentley is Strategic Accounts Director at Expedia Group Media Solutions.
The Travel Industry has a few mad scientists, and Mark obviously feels that Gray is one of these rare individuals who sees what others may not. The two discuss artificial intelligence as a parlor trick and its potential, plus ideas about data/metrics and the latest web development. Gray is Vice President, Strategy & Insights at Miles Partnership.
Mark dives deep into how to encourage disruption with Shawn Kanungo, even exploring what it means “to die at 23 years old, but not be buried until 87.” Hear how you can embrace change and personally take your organization to new heights of success. Shawn Kanungo is the best-selling author of “The Bold Ones,” and has a new special on Apple TV, Netflix, and Amazon.
This episode focuses on tips you can use in your content creation. We get the lowdown on how our winners created their series from Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Visit Denver, Justin Bresler, and Chief Brand & Marketing Officer at Visit Salt Lake, Tyler Gosnell.
Mark & Dave focus on how destinations can positively change lives through travel and tourism. After you hear Dave's approach in Michigan, you will clearly understand why the industry named him State Tourism Director of The Year. Dave Lorenz is Vice President of Travel Michigan. This was recorded live at ESTO 2023 in Savannah, Georgia.
Learn how all DMOs can work with TikTok, either on their own channels or via Visit The USA. We also discuss how TikTok differs from other socials channels, the future of the platform, and advertising. This and more from Danielle Johnson, TikTok's Group Vertical Director for Global Business Solutions, and Staci Mellman, Brand USA's Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing.
Live from ESTO, Mark & Brad discuss how important it is that local citizens are a full part of the tourism process – from marketing to sustainability. Plus, we hear what Brad has learned from adversity and challenges. Brad Dean is CEO of Discover Puerto Rico.
Why should you hire a full-time Research Director? Amir lays out the case. We also talk about the continuing impact of Covid on travel, the travel industry workforce, and ESTO Cares. This episode is live from ESTO in Savannah, Georgia. Amir Eylon is President/CEO of Longwoods International.
How can travel media publishers earn reader loyalty? Mark finds out from Bryan Kinkade, VP Publisher at Afar Media. Bryan shares insights gleaned throughout his 15-year career in travel and media, touching on the differences between digital and print content, the role of local voices in storytelling, and keeping visitation sustainable on an individual level. We also hear about Bryan's recent 6-week sabbatical across South America. The episode is live from ESTO in Savannah, Georgia.
Live from Savannah, Georgia, we kick off coverage of ESTO with Ellen Davis, Executive Vice President, Business Strategy and Industry Engagement at U.S. Travel. Ellen covers the importance of conducting your own research, collecting first party data, and keeping inbound international travel to the U.S. competitive, as well as the backstory on Ellen's role in the formation of Cyber Monday.
Start-up culture is always interesting, as is how small destinations work with limited budgets. Hear what Wendy Hasse, President/CEO of Visit Santa Ana has learned. Also, if you’re thinking about CDME certification, Wendy shares her experience with the process.
How did Visit The USA go from 0 to over 600,000 followers on TikTok? We ask Coralis Rivera-Aponte, Brand USA's Manager of Integrated Marketing and Social Media. We discuss why TikTok is a valuable platform for DMOs, the meteoric rise of Threads, and Brand USA's social media strategy in FY24. Coralis was recently named to the 30 Under 30 list by Destinations International.
We discuss refocusing a DMO to help build the local community through job creation, economic activity, earning taxes through tourism, and building a brand that helps diversify the economy by attracting investment and businesses. Jack also talks about being named one of the top 25 most influential people in the meetings industry. Jack Johnson is Chief Advocacy Officer at Destinations International.
We tackle the complex topic of accessible travel, covering innovation, higher level education, and the ADA. You likely know Jake from his many previous roles in our industry, but his latest venture may well be his most impactful. Jake is now Founder and CEO of TravelAbility. The episode was recorded live at Destinations International in Dallas, Texas.
Mark & Fred cover a wide range of topics from Broadway to the Boroughs, to the DMO’s re-brand, to Restaurant Week. Fred Dixon is President/CEO of New York City Tourism & Conventions.
Paul talks about winning D.I’s. Global Impact Award, how to transform an organization using a balanced score card performance management framework, taking the D.I. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion CEO Pledge, and making tourist spaces more accommodating for children and adults on the spectrum. Paul Nursey is the CEO of Destination Greater Victoria. This was recorded live from the Destinations International Convention in Dallas, Texas.
Live from Destinations International, we speak with the host city's representative: Craig Davis, President and CEO of Visit Dallas. Craig discusses how the stereotypical cowboy image plays into the Dallas brand, what he’s learned at this year’s convention, the city's upcoming new convention center, and his major career shift of moving to Dallas after growing up in Ontario and spending 30 years in Pittsburgh.
Live from the D.I. Convention, we discuss Idaho’s approach to international marketing, segmenting seasons, artificial intelligence, and making choices among many places to highlight in the state. Jeremy Chase is Marketing and Innovation Administrator at the Idaho Department of Commerce.
Hear about the unique positioning of Oulu, Finland, a city that says: "There's nothing to see here." Plus, the world's largest air guitar event, and YT gets a D.I. Leadership Award at the convention. YT is CEO of Visit Oulu in Finland.
What keeps people coming back to Massachusetts' capital? Martha Sheridan, President/CEO of Meet Boston, answers that question and many more from the D.I. Convention in Texas. We discuss Boston’s rebranding process, garnering visitation in the cold winter months, and the city's role as a hub for greater New England tourism. Martha, a 30-year tourism vet, also shares advice for up-and-coming women in the travel industry.
In our debut episode live from the Destinations International Convention in Dallas, Texas we discuss regenerative tourism, indigenous tourism, and Canada’s tourism corridor strategy program with Marsha Walden.
The new “Tourism Exchange USA” enables suppliers - ranging from accommodations to tours and attractions - to manage live availability, pricing, and bookings across multiple distributors in a one-stop exchange. Find out about how the exchange works, initial destination adoption, first party data, and more. Nate Huff is Senior Vice President at Miles Partnership.
For the Fourth of July, we bring you American celebrations in India, Germany and Italy. We cover the logistics of holiday activations internationally, the Sister City program, and the surprising popularity of Black Friday around the globe. Join the party with Sheema Vohra, Managing Director at Sartha Global Marketing in India; Josy Ando, CEO at Authentico Marketing in Italy; and Nicola Aherns, Account Director at Lieb Marketing in Germany.
Our conversation takes us to the intersection of sustainability and tourism. We talk visitation impact, modeling good behavior outdoors, and how destinations can help with bring Leave No Trace ideals to travelers. Andrew Leary is Director of Sustainable Tourism and Partnerships at Leave No Trace, and serves on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.
Also, hear why you should be happy when customers complain and provide feedback. Plus, we discuss removing friction from travel experiences, setting goals beyond recovery, WiFI on planes, and artificial intelligence talking to artificial intelligence. Tim Mapes is Delta Airline’s Senior VP and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, and is on Brand USA's Board of Directors.
Joe Marinelli is a walking example of industry loyalty. He's been President/CEO of Visit Savannah since 2007, and spent over a decade each at Experience Columbus and Westin Hotels and Resorts. Joe shares insight about his work experience, expounds upon recent lift, and discusses working with Explore Georgia and Brand USA. We also get tips on how to best enjoy Savannah's historic district and numerous city squares while visiting for ESTO, August 19-22.
For our final IPW 2023 podcast, Matt Charlton takes us behind the scenes of travel writing and broadcasting. We discuss how and where he looks for stories, the resurgence of American cuisine for travelers, and a possible future of writers collaborating with influencers. Matt's work appears in The Times, Rolling Stone, NME, the BBC, and many more media outlets. See you next year at IPW 2024 in Los Angeles!
We catch up with Rick DeLappe, Interagency Program Manager for the National Park Service, as he celebrates both 25 years of Recreation.gov and his own retirement. We learn about the agency's dedication to continuous improvement through forward-looking technological developments, the breakdown of international visitors to Recreation.gov, and the pros and cons of using Google translate.
Dan Mickelson, Chief of the Immigration and Employment Division in the State Department's Visa Office, answers tough questions about visas for international travelers. Dan provides insight into the action plan for improving wait times, and shares upcoming innovations that will streamline the issuance of visas to millions of applicants.
Brand USA's Staci Mellman, Senior VP of Integrated Marketing, and Jackie Ennis, VP of Global Trade Development, walk us through data-driven analysis of recovery in major travel markets around the world, and the likelihood of visitation to the United States in the near future.
Toby tells the story of America’s public lands, describes working with the Nez Perce tribe, explains environmental interpretation, and delves into how she uses the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or 'forest-bathing', to help travelers connect with nature. Toby Bloom is National Program Manager for Travel, Tourism and Interpretation, US Forest Service.
Get a master class on how ESTA facilitates international travel, and clearly understand how and why a visit to Cuba affects the visa process. Macharia is the Branch Chief for the Electronic System for Travel Authorizations (ESTA) and the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), as well as a travel industry liaison for the Office of Field Operations. He’s also an outstanding karaoke performer.
What more fitting place for Brand USA Talks Travel to mark our 100th episode than on the floor at IPW, with none other than Brand USA's President and CEO Chris Thompson? Chris was our first guest on Episode 1; he rejoins us now to look back on key milestones and achievements over the last decade of promoting the USA.
How does a DMO add significant lift from new markets? Find out how SLO CAL did it. We also tackle a few seriously tough topics, including how homelessness impacts visitation, and the correlation between vacation rentals and local housing availability. Most importantly, Chuck fills us in on the lasting importance of only doing work that benefits the community you serve. With special guest host Aaron Wodin-Schwartz.
Live from San Antonio, our coverage of IPW continues with Peter DeWitt, Outstanding Natural Area Manager, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for the Bureau of Land Management, and Cortney Solum, Writer/Editor for National Wildlife Refuge System. Peter and Cortney shed light on the challenges and successes facing our nation's National Wildlife Areas and Protected Lands, including redistributing visitation away from over-crowded sites, the boundless appeal of the American landscape, and how nature delivers joy in any language.
As tourism professionals from all over the globe converge in San Antonio, Texas, we kick off our series of IPW 2023 podcasts with Geoff Freeman, President/CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. We talk about what Geoff has learned through his work in various industries, why it’s important to think big, and discuss turning obstacles into opportunities.
Don Welsh, CEO of Destinations International, shares insight into DI's annual convention, held this year in Dallas, Texas. Learn about the workshops and career development, Don's tips on attracting event sponsors, and why this year's convention is titled "Reimagine."
Is a trip planning tool a must for a DMO? Find out how potential tourists use one of the largest trip planning tools in the world and how that tool can be white-labeled for your local destination website. Meet the Global Head of Klarna Trips, Anoop Goyal and Steve Effron, Accountable Lead for Klarna Trips Content.
Nan Marchand Beauvois gives us a sneak peak of what to look forward to at ESTO, 8/19-8/22 in Savannah, Georgia. Hear about the seminars, speakers and activities…plus find out Nan’s actual first name! Jody Raida also explains how to enter your destination video for Brand USA’s Storytelling Awards presented at the conference. Nan is U.S. Travel’s SVP, membership & industry relations and GM of ESTO. Jody is the Principal at Lemonade, a content consultancy.
We explore the curiosity that drives content creation about America’s strange and wondrous places. Doug Baldinger, Vice President at Atlas Obscura, and Dylan Thuras, founder of Atlas Obscura, discuss their unique approach to travel podcasting, books, websites, and video production. We also hear about the new episodes of GoUSA TV’s “Small Town, Big Story".
The Brand USA marketing team’s focus for the next year is on consumer campaign integrations, targeted media distribution, in-market collaboration, and building out our partner resource center. Cat Reith, Brand USA’s Senior Director, Partner Marketing Program provides the details and dishes a bit about her personal journey in travel and tourism.
When a consumer of travel content watches video, what is the value of that time? With the prevalence of FAST channels, on-demand apps, and social media, this is a highly relevant, yet complex issue. That’s why Ryan has assembled a committee of America’s destination leaders and major travel brands to solve this equation. Learn about the “Content Value Initiative” and how the results benefit destination marketers, production companies, and agencies. Ryan Thompson is Senior VP at Miles Partnership and Founder & Managing Director at Odyssey.
Geordie shares primary motivators for British travelers in 2023, describes travel stories that resonate, and reminds us of the tremendous variety of experiences that the USA offers to international travelers.
Did you know that American hostels welcome 2.5 million travelers each year? Russ Hedge, CEO of Hosteling International USA, details the history of hostels, talks about how they’ve changed, and how hosteling achieves sustainability goals. Russ has also served on the boards at US Travel, The Alliance For International Exchange, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
While many experience Brand USA's work, relatively few understand the structure. Aaron Wodin-Schwartz, Brand USA's Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, illuminates what it means to be a public-private partnership and discusses implementation of the Travel Promotion Act.
Get the insider perspective on state legislators from the CEO of New Orleans & Company, Walt Leger, who spent 12 years serving District 91 in Louisiana. We also hear interesting tips on partnering with local institutions, and discuss whether it makes sense to promote travel on Twitter.
Meet Brand USA's new Senior VP, Integrated Marketing, Staci Mellman, as she fields questions from colleagues related to female empowerment, advancement, and learning from role models. We also discuss her first international mission to Australia.
Nobody knows IPW like Malcolm Smith, so he’s the perfect person to get you prepared. We discuss country registration stats, the fun evening events, and since Malcolm is a San Antonio native, you’ll get tips for places to check out on your visit. Malcolm Smith is U.S.Travel's Senior VP of Business Development, and General Manager for IPW.
Meet TV Director Steve Harris and hear about the unique challenges of creating family travel shows. We learn about his experiences directing the new GoUSA TV series "Ellis Family Vacation. Plus, we discuss equity and inclusion behind the camera. Steve Harris is CEO of Sneakertopia and Head of Development for Workaholics Entertainment Group.
Did you know that consumers often view over 40 websites before making travel plans? Steven Paganelli enlightens us on many surprising facts, figures and trends he's seen at TripAdvisor, who recently surpassed one billion reviews. Steven is Director, Destinations, Hotels and OTAs, Americas at TripAdvisor.
Hear behind-the-scenes stories about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and “To Kill A Mockingbird” author Harper Lee. We also learn what it takes to create UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lee Sentell has been Alabama’s Tourism Director since 2003.
We return from winter break with Don Moore, EVP, Business Rental Sales & Global Corporate Accounts at Enterprise Holdings - and a Brand USA board member. Don shares over three decades of industry insights, talks international expansion, and gives us a glimpse at future technology.
How can YOU participate in a Brand USA MegaFam? The answer to that and many other questions are answered by two MegaFam veterans, Suzy Shepard, Brand USA's Director of Global Trade for Asia Pacific, and Amanda Davis, Brand USA's Senior Manager, Global Trade for UK and Europe. Suzy and Amanda provide insight into these unique on-the-ground experiences, and share a few of their favorite memories from 22 Mega-Fams in 8 markets.
How do Italian tourists feel about visiting the United States? Gaia Guarino, Editor of TTG Italia, shares how Italian visitors to the U.S. are increasingly interested in authentic experiences in cities off the beaten path. We also discuss how the job of a travel agent has changed in recent years, the effect of the strength of the U.S. Dollar combined with inflation, and how American holidays are perceived in Italy.
Drawing on decades of DMO experience, President/CEO of Visit Baltimore Al Hutchinson shares his perspective on advocacy. We also discuss elevating Black, Brown & Minority Business, and kick around the relatively new concept of “Slow Travel.”
For decades, Richard Arnold has been entertaining and reporting to huge audiences in the United Kingdom. We discuss why the United States stands out to European travelers, and the power of American music, TV, and film across the world; Richard also shares his personal love affair with Dallas, Texas. We couldn’t resist… we also asked him about his favorite celebrity interviews.
Butch Spyridon has led Nashville to become a $7B-a-year destination through its iconic Music City branding and image. Butch recounts some of the risks he took to put Nashville on the map, including the creation of two major destination-first films and embracing activations to bring in more tourists. Butch has been President/CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation since 1991.
Meet Chip Rogers, President/CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Chip explains AHLA’s mission, expounds upon the intersection of Hotels and Destinations, and addresses the opportunities for employment in the hotel industry.
Join us for a close-up of Ireland’s travel industry landscape. Often lumped in with England, Irish travelers constitute a unique market of their own - one with a strong connection to the U.S.A. We touch on how U.S. Destinations can obtain coverage from the Irish press, the enduring power of food in storytelling, and the dangers of being on overbooked press trips. Nicola Brady is an award-winning travel writer whose work appears regularly in the Irish Independent, Evening Standard, The Independent UK, Condé Nast Traveler and others.
We welcome back Scott Balyo, Executive Director of CRUSA, to discuss trends he heard from buyers and suppliers. Plus, learn how CRUSA funded this debut event, its planning timetable, and the challenges of covering such a large territory.
In this episode, we’re talking experiential travel. Learn how diversity, discovery and discernment are key to serving LGBTQ+ and Luxury travelers and hear about coming trends. Uwern Jong is co-founder and editor-in-chief of "Out-There" magazine.
Anyone who loves the Blues, or wants to create a specific marketing proposition about their destination, will enjoy hearing these stories from Bubba O'Keefe, Executive Director of Visit Clarksdale in Mississippi. Renowned as the home of the crossroads where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil, Clarksdale is 120 minutes from Memphis and boasts none of the glamour of big cities; even so, it attracts tourists from all over the world.
Time to soak up the wisdom! Don shares what he's learned throughout his 35+ year career in the travel industry, including the value of MICE, how travel conferences can improve, DEI, and his organization's upcoming Advocacy Summit. Don Welsh is President/CEO of Destinations International.
To conclude our coverage of Travel Week from Frankfurt, Germany, we speak with John Percy, President/CEO of Niagara USA. John offers words of encouragement to smaller destinations about international tourism, and presents his first-timer impressions of Travel Week.
We hear about the Buyer-Supplier meetings, the Media Forum, CEO Summit, the relationship between content creation and distribution, and the future of live and virtual industry meetings.
Live from Frankfurt, Germany, we explore hosted trips for journalists, working with local PR representatives, and the secret conversations that travel journalists have when destinations aren't around. Jacqui Agate is a freelance travel journalist whose work appears in The Eye, The Times, National Geographic, Wanderlust, and more.
From Frankfurt, Germany, we discuss fostering inclusivity in tourism, attracting families to visit the U.S., and the synergy between VRBO and Expedia, plus search volume. Jennifer Andre is Vice President of Business Development at Expedia Group.
We discuss green travel technology, sustainable travel, and travel mobility, plus the upcoming Travel Mobility Conference. Tori Barnes is Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy at U.S. Travel Association.
We welcome back Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon and Vice Chair of the Board at Brand USA, to talk about the difference between functioning as a Destination Marketing Organization and a Destination Management Organization, and how running a DMO has evolved over the years.
We hear the history of how BTT was formed, discuss DEI initiatives, and find out about upcoming projects from Stephanie Jones, CEO of Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance and Founder of National Blacks In Travel And Tourism Collaborative.
Lauren Bailey, CEO and co-founder of Upward Projects, dishes on the enduring power of food as a travel motivator, how DMOs can explore the connection between food and other forms of local culture, and mastering the art of time management.
For our final episode live from ESTO in Grand Rapids, we speak with Mike Gussiaas, Global Marketing and Brand Strategy Director for the South Dakota Department of Tourism. Mike tells us about South Dakota's initiative to provide visitors with a digital travel pass app that spreads visitation from the gateway cities and landmarks to every corner of the state. We also learn about the surprising effect that South Dakota's exotic nature has on international visitors.
How does a DMO attract a cruise line? We speak with Jay Robichaux, Executive Director of Louisiana's River Parishes Tourist Commission about what a parish is, and get a fresh perspective from someone coming from another industry to work in tourism.
How does the promise of experiencing cultural diversity affect travelers' decisions? This special episode with Carroll Rheem, Founder/CEO of Iolite Group, is about "The Multicultural Multiplier," a landmark study conducted by her firm. Carroll hosts a free webinar on the importance of cultural diversity as a marketing opportunity on August 23rd at 11am EDT. We return to more "Live from ESTO" episodes tomorrow.
It's a jam-packed episode about innovation and creativity with Stuart Butler, CMO of Visit Myrtle Beach.
Cory Jobe, President and CEO of Great Rivers And Routes, talks about building new product, how DMOs can bolster local economic development, and fun facts about one of the most iconic road-trips in the USA.
Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, talks tourism public relations, details the difference between visiting and living in a destination, and reviews the history of Pure Michigan positioning
Gwynne Spann, Director of Content Marketing, Visit California talks Tik Tok, next generation websites, and content editorial boards. Plus, we learn how to say her name correctly!
We catch up with Amir Eylon, President/CEO, Partner at Longwoods International. Get perspective concerning how the traveler has changed over the past two years, the thing to look for when assessing market surveys, and the importance of research-based insight.
We continue our coverage of ESTO with Danielle Posa, Vice Chair of the Workplace Wellbeing Initiative for the Global Wellness Institute. We discuss the difference between wellness and wellbeing, the rise in the pursuit for self-care, and the opportunity for destinations to cater more to mothers traveling with children. Danielle was a keynote speaker at ESTO.
In one of Geoff’s first media appearances in his new role, we cover a wide range of topics: from what he’s learned as a President/CEO at other associations, to his role in advocating for the creation of Brand USA years ago, to his own special travel hack. To hear the hack, you gotta listen all the way to the very end! A word of caution: the crowd noise from ESTO slowly builds until the end, when it sounds as if we’re in a crowded bar (we weren’t). You’ll want to share this special episode with others in the travel industry, whether they came to Grand Rapids or couldn’t make it.
What makes the nation’s capital so special? Plus, Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC, details the importance of teaching the next generation of talent about the many opportunities within the travel industry.
Shaun MacGillivray, President of MacGillivray Freeman Films, was instrumental in creating Brand USA's three IMAX films. He shares his unique understanding of content creation and distribution.
Telling your destination's story goes far beyond commissioning articles for travel sites. Join us for an in-depth conversation with Mathu Premaruban, Head of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations for Brand USA, about how to foster enduring camaraderie with journalists from all over the world.
We connect with Liz Bittner, President/CEO of Travel South, to hear about DMOs creating consumer-facing podcasts. We explore the benefits of creating travel audio content, the importance of narration, marketing, and other fine details about podcasting for potential travelers.
We close out this special series of IPW podcasts recorded live during the last few minutes in Orlando with Jo Palmer, Founder/Managing Director, Gate 7. Jo dives deep into why the U.S. is the number one aspirational destination for Australian tourists and how DMOs can better attract these long-stay visitors. Yes, the IPW ground crew are literally carrying out the potted plants as we speak.
Denis Ribeiro, General Manager for Aviareps Brazil, highlights current travel motivators, the long booking window, and what Brazilian visitors want to see and do in the United States.
Dive into the Great American West with Mathias Jung, CEO of Rocky Mountain International. We discuss how states come together for regional tourism marketing, the current supply challenges, and how to deal with a lack of direct flights.
What’s the current bucket list for U.K. travelers in the USA? Is there enough lift? Plus, encouraging the next generation to work in the travel industry.
Did you know that Wisconsin produces more than half of the world's cranberries? We sit down with Craig Trost, Communications Director of Wisconsin Department of Tourism, to discuss the importance of sharing your destination's unexpected offerings, the potential of sports tourism, and thoughts about IPW.
Millions of tourists already utilize Recreation.gov to plan and reserve trips and experiences in our National Parks. In this episode with Janelle Smith, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, we explore the huge international opportunity, talk about how to mitigate places that have too much traffic, and hear about user-generated content.
There are specific challenges and opportunities in creating destination content. Ashley Davidson, Founder and Creative Director of Citizen, offers advice on creating compelling branded content and how important it is to focus on the heart of a community from a tourism perspective.
Hear how and what CRUSA promotes to encourage visitation to DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Lourdes Berho, President of Alchemia, speaks about the wide demographic variation of travelers who visit the U.S.A. from Mexico and how DMOs can appeal to their diverse interests. We also talk about why translation of content into Spanish is so important and other helpful marketing tips.
Sherry Rupert, Chief Executive Officer of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), joins us for an eye-opening conversation on sharing the stories of Native American Tribes and hearing how DMOs can help amplify messaging to increase tourism.
On the floor at IPW, we meet with Grey Brennan, Deputy Director of the Alabama Tourism Department. Grey has spent over two decades working to bring people to visit his home state, teaching us about the deep history of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
It’s important that international tourists receive guidance from tourism professionals on how to best experience the USA’s 400+ National Parks and Protected Sites. Donny Leadbetter, Tourism Program Manager of the National Parks Service, talks about the importance of pre-planning visits, countering over-crowding at certain parks, sustainability, and other tips you can communicate to travelers.
Sheema Vohra, Managing Director of Sartha Global Marketing, presents the latest on how Indian travelers view visiting the United States, and offers advice on how U.S. DMOs can better motivate travel from India.
Learn how Kentucky is working with Brand USA to reach more international tourists…plus, hear about the many compelling reasons to visit from Kentucky Department of Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot.
Do you know about the mission of the U.S. Commercial Service and how they can help you? Find out! We learn about how our government provides services and connections through embassies and other means from Aron Davidson, Travel & Tourism Lead for the U.S. Commercial Service.
We get the inside scoop on what it's like to host IPW from Danielle Hollander, CMO of Visit Orlando. Also, learn how locals keep the magic alive in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA.
We continue our coverage of IPW with Andrés Munoz, CMO of Visit San Antonio. We cover the unexpected wonders, and how the city is ready to provide the stage for global tourism.
Roger talks about his impending retirement, his future, and his views on the travel industry’s most important challenges. Roger Dow is President/CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
She’s created tons of travel videos and watched hundreds of hours of destination content. We catch-up with Jody Raida, Principal of Lemonade, and focus on creating compelling travel videos.
John Tanzella, President/CEO of IGLTA, offers a brief history of the organization, talks about the annual convention and their first upcoming virtual one-to-one international meetings, scheduled June 23rd.
Check out this compelling conversation with Travel Industry veteran Tom O’Toole. You likely know Tom from his many years with United Airlines and Hyatt Hotels. He’s currently Associate Dean for Executive Education at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, and serves on several corporate boards including Alliant Energy, CWT, and Brand USA.
Rosina Barbastefano, Brand USA’s Sr. Director of Research & Analytics covers new research with updated country profiles, motivations for travel, destination interest and more. Learn all about the just released “interactive market data” dashboard. It’s free!
Holger Jacobs, Editor of FVW Magazine in Germany, reports on trends in travel. In this episode, Holger covers many topics including pricing, lift, and where Germans would like to visit.
Learn how destinations can develop and strengthen relationships with top tour operators & media from the U.K. and Europe. Brand USA’s Director, Marketing Operations & Special Projects, Alexis Adelson also talks about the new CEO Summit and Media Forum at Brand USA Travel Week. We’re just five months away!
Plus, advice on hiring and fostering an open and inclusive working environment from Donald Richardson, Chief Financial & Diversity, and Inclusion officer at Brand USA.
We get a perspective from Robin Searle, Managing Editor of Travel Weekly, U.K. Robin also offers advice on how destinations should pitch stories to trade and consumer travel journalists.
Liz Bittner, CEO of Travel South, the largest regional alliance in the United States, addresses collaboration between states, return on investment, and inspiring international travelers to come to the USA.
Also: Do you speak British? Take the quiz with Amanda and hear wise words concerning work / life balance in the travel industry. Amanda is founder & partner MMGY HillsBalfour & President MMGY TMC.
Adam Burke, CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, on events for international tourists, plus Oscar predictions.
There is vital work ahead to put the U.S. travel and tourism industry back on track, restore livelihoods, and bring the world back together through the power of travel. Brand USA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Aaron Wodin-Schwartz details how the emergency funding included in the 2022 omnibus spending bill will accelerate the return of international visitors and quicken the industry’s recovery.
We’re celebrating International Women’s Day with Alice Norsworthy, President, Global Marketing, Universal Parks & Resorts. It’s a great quick listen for those interested in growing their career, from one of America’s top marketers.
How important is tourism to Oregon's economy? What’s the importance of international visitation? These and other fascinating highlights in five minutes.
Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions are essential components of the travel industry. Elliott is a true MICE veteran. He offers advice on getting started; plus, we talk about the current state of business travel and recovery.
Catch news you can use about this year’s IPW from the man who makes the plan, U.S. Travel’s Malcolm Smith, SVP of Business Development and General Manager of IPW. You’ll hear registration trends, things learned from last year’s IPW, and entertainment you won’t want to miss.
Alice Norsworthy, President of Global Marketing for Universal Parks & Resorts and Brand USA’s new Board Chair, talks about effective storytelling, conventional marketing wisdom, balancing health & safety protocols, and new attractions at Universal. Break out the headphones for a very fast five-minute listen featuring one of America’s marketing leaders.
Nick Hentschel, COO of American Tours International, updates us on the latest international tourism trends, offers perspective about how new variants may or may not affect travel, and speaks about which markets are recovering faster in terms of bookings and length of stay in the USA.
In this episode, we discuss how smart destination marketing organizations position shopping in their story narrative, potential shopping barriers for international tourists, and shopping in-person versus online.
Even beyond the pandemic, will we still have virtual one-to-one meetings in the travel industry? We also speak about the newly released “International Pavilion,” getting a closer look at how it provides a new option to the USA's destination marketing organizations for obtaining vital research and country-specific market information.
Why is storytelling foundational to Brand USA’s marketing efforts around the world? Listen to find out! We go back to the beginning to hear about how our nation’s destination marketing organization decided to produce big-screen films, and take a closer look at the United Stories campaign as well.
Travel Influencers rule! We speak with Susan Zachar, Senior Director Integrated Marketing at Brand USA, concerning the criteria for selecting the best Influencers, composing a project brief, how to improve Influencers' experience on the ground, and whether Influencers are here forever or are merely a passing trend.
Ever wonder how Atlas Obscura got started? Dylan dishes on the travel company's origins, their best-selling books, the massive Atlas Obscura website, and video storytelling. This is part two of our podcast featuring content creation by Atlas Obscura.
Dylan Thuras, Co-Founder & Creative Director at Atlas Obscura, joins us for a chat about our new joint production of the GoUSA TV Original series “Small Town, Big Story.” Dylan talks about how Atlas Obscura came up with the concept and takes you behind the unusual scenes in South Bristol, Maine; Glover, Vermont; and Ketchum, Idaho. This is part one of a two-part podcast featuring content creation by Atlas Obscura.
We speak with Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO at Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau. Kyle is just stepping down as Brand USA Board Chair, so he’s in the unique position of running a local Destination Marketing Organization and having an insider’s perspective on Brand USA. We talk about why DMOs partner with Brand USA; the opening of the United States; and why everyone should visit Louisiana.
In episode three, we speak with Jackie Ennis, Brand USA’s Vice President, Global Markets. Our conversation covers what the International Travel Trade is saying about the opening of U.S. borders to tourists; an explanation of the new international pavilion in the Global Marketplace website; and what bookings are already indicating about what tourists want to experience on their upcoming visit.
In episode two of Brand USA’s Talks Travel podcast, we continue our conversation with Chris Thompson as he fondly remembers Arne Sorenson, the late President/CEO of Marriott International. Chris attended Arne’s recent memorial service and was extremely moved by the experience.
This is Brand USA Talks Travel, Episode 1, with special guest Chris Thompson, our President and CEO. Our topic: the USA is open for international travel once more.
Mark's questions for Chris are timestamped below.
0:29 - As you speak with leaders in the travel industry, what are you hearing about the opening?
0:59 - Tell us about the [reopening] event in New York.
1:22 - All the travel sources that I read seem to indicate that travelers are feeling a high propensity to book, but at the same time, can be confused about the messaging surrounding health concerns. How do we begin to mitigate that?
3:00 - In thirty seconds or so, can you tell us about how Brand USA's partners can participate in the effort?
3:36 - I know that you attended Arne Sorenson's memorial service this past week. Would you mind sharing a little bit about the service?
Brand USA Talks Travel is a new podcast about international travel. Subscribe to be notified as we release new episodes.