Brand USA set to make its debut in AIME 2014

Brand USA, the first-ever destination marketing organization for the United States of America, will be an exhibitor at this year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME). Recognising the value in the Australian MICE market, Brand USA will host a highly branded USA Pavilion in partnership with a strong contingent of U.S. tourism boards and tourism suppliers, half of which are also new to AIME this year.

According to OTTI data as of 2012, international visitor spending in the U.S. from Australia represented over $5 billion, up 10 per cent from 2011, and travel and tourism represent 31 per cent of all U.S. services exports to Australia. “Brand USA is committed to growing this market and exhibiting at AIME. Australia has been a strong source of international travellers to the United States over the past few years. While we’ve seen record numbers in the leisure market, there is still room to grow the business market,” said Alfredo Gonzalez, Senior Vice President of Global Market Development for Brand USA.

Through the USA Pavilion, U.S. exhibitors are afforded cost-effective and hassle-free opportunities to participate in overseas markets, introducing new products and finding buyers at international travel and tourism shows around the globe.

A full list of tourism partners and representatives who will exhibit as part of Brand USA’s pavilion include:

• Brand USA – Jo Palmer, Account Director – Australia and New Zealand
• Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board – Craig Gibbons, Regional Director – Australia and New Zealand
• Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority – Kelly Sawyer, Sales Executive
• Bellagio – Tristan Tanovan, National Sales Manager
• California Tours – William Kim, General Manager
• Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Authority – Hannah Avol, Director of International Sales
• Universal Studios Hollywood – Danielle Tuffield, National Sales Manager – Australia and New Zealand

Brand USA is hosting 29 USA Pavilions at trade shows throughout 2014 and currently has international representation in 18 regions covering over 40 countries. Travel from these markets makes up 93 per cent of inbound visitation to the United States.