Seven itineraries covering 21 states have been created for the second annual Brand USA Megafam.
The multi-destination trips will take place on May 15-22 and all end in Austin, Texas.
Agents can win a place by entering British Airways and American Airlines flights sold to and within US from January 1 2014. Sales can be logged at a bespoke website – www.USAMegafam.co.uk.
To qualify, agents will also be required to complete two specialist modules on the recently launched agent training site – USADiscoveryProgram.co.uk.
Current USA Specialist badges include Food & Drink, Fly-Drive, Coastal Escapes, Winter Sports, the Great Outdoors, Big City Buzz and Music, Culture & Heritage. A new badge will be released next month.
After spending six nights on their designated itinerary, the seven groups will fly to Austin for a grand finale. Here, agents will present the highlights of their Brand USA Megafam experience with the goal of educating other agents.
The seven Brand USA Megafam itineraries include the following states:
- Illinois – Utah – Colorado – New Mexico
- California – Nevada – Arizona
- Florida
- Massachusetts – New Hampshire – Vermont – New York State
- North Carolina – Georgia – South Carolina
- Colorado – Nebraska – South Dakota
- District of Columbia – Maryland – Virginia
Brand USA president and chief executive Chris Thompson said: “The inaugural Megafam was hugely successful for us – both in terms of reinvigorating agents’ passion for the US and creating value for our partners.
“Our aim is to supply travel agents with the knowledge and assurance they need in order to sell more of the USA as a holiday destination, and to ensure the United States is kept top of mind with agents and their customers.”
He added: “Working with British Airways and American Airlines for the second consecutive year demonstrates their commitment to the success of our mission – bringing more international visitors to the US.
“We look forward to working further with our domestic partners, including destination marketing organisations, attractions and hotels, to ensure the itineraries feature the very best each destination has to offer.”
BA UK and Ireland head of consumer sales Chris Rankin said: “Last year’s Megafam was a huge success, with fantastic feedback from the trade.
“Travel agents help British Airways showcase the best of the USA to their customers. Therefore, we’re delighted to be able to once again partner with Brand USA to support the Megafam for a second year, and encourage even more holidays.”
American Airlines’ UK and Ireland sales director Graham Bell said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Brand USA and British Airways in 2014 following the success of the first Megafam. It’s a key opportunity to recognise the importance and relevance of travel agents whilst showcasing the best of what the USA has to offer as a holiday destination.”