Agents have hailed the experience and knowledge gained from taking part in last month’s BrandUSA megafam, saying it will help them inspire clients and book more US trips.
The destination marketing organisation for the US hosted 60 UK and Ireland agents on the trip last month, which featured six itineraries exploring 12 states and Washington DC.
In partnership with American Airlines and British Airways, the megafam showcased Maryland and Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan, Georgia and Alabama, Massachusetts and Connecticut, Washington DC, California, Nevada and Arizona.
The tours culminated with a grand finale in New York City (pictured), where agents explored Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan.
More: Interview: Brand USA marketing chief Staci Mellman
Brand USA plans next mega fam for 60 travel agents in April
Beverly Clarke (Spear Travels), who travelled on the East Coast Exploration itinerary to Washington DC, Annapolis and Philadelphia, said: “Cycling around the Washington monuments is probably one of my highlights. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences to my work colleagues and certainly have a lot more confidence with suggesting East Coast itineraries to my customers.”
Anne Cowan (American Affair) travelled on the Navigating the Northeast tour, visiting Boston, Gloucester, Salem, Plymouth (Massachusetts) and Mystic, New Canaan, Norwalk, New Haven and Greenwich (Connecticut).
She said: “Seeing small towns and experiencing the diverse culture that New England has to show was interesting, insightful and an all-round wonderful experience. I will use my knowledge now to encourage and enlighten passengers to want to visit these areas.”
James Hollins (American Road Trip Company) was on the Midwest Magic trip, visiting Chicago (Illinois), Traverse City and Detroit (Michigan).
He said: “The megafam gave us the opportunity to experience some memorable small-town destinations between the big cities too.
“Clients are often more inclined to book if you can offer first-hand advice about spots with an off-the-beaten-path Americana feel.”
Jackie Ennis, global markets vice-president for Brand USA, said the trip shone a spotlight on the diversity of experiences the US offers, particularly lesser-known destinations, while “inspiring some of our most valued trade partners to share their new, first-hand knowledge with their customers”.
Gillian Wickers, BA head of UK leisure sales, said: “We know that first-hand experience is invaluable to our agents when it comes to a destination as unique and diverse as the US, so we are always thrilled to take part in the megafam.
“It continues to be a popular destination for our customers, so we are happy to help equip our partners with the knowledge on everything it has to offer.”
Denise Forbes, American Airlines UK and Ireland leisure speciality and mid-market sales manager, added: “We were delighted to showcase some of our newer and more sustainable aircraft at this year’s megafam.
“The agents travelled on two of our international routes as well as relied on our seamless domestic connectivity to travel across the US.”