Showing posts with label Visit USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Visit USA. Show all posts

Friday, 16 August 2024

U.S. Travel Market Welcomes Robust Growth from Australia: Visit USA Mid-Year Market Review Highlights

Visit USA
Visit USA Australia hosted its Mid-Year Market Review yesterday at the W Sydney, bringing together industry leaders and partners for a comprehensive overview of recent U.S. travel data. With insights from special guest David Huether, Deputy Director of Research at the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), the event highlighted the latest tools and data resources offered by the NTTO, and the U.S. Commercial Service presented the latest travel data. This was the first time the NTTO has presented to any organisation outside the U.S.; a coup for Visit USA Australia.

“We are thrilled to have David Huether join us for our Mid-Year Market Review. David's insights and expertise are crucial in shaping our strategies for effectively promoting U.S. tourism. The NTTO's tools are an invaluable resource for our members", said Caroline Davidson, President of Visit USA Australia.

Australian Travel Market to the U.S. in 2023

Australia ranks as the 10th largest inbound market to the U.S. In 2023, 954,000 Australians travelled to the U.S., a 48.7% increase from 2022. A further 23.7% increase is forecast for 2024.

Australians represent the 4th largest growth rate among the top 10 inbound markets, with over 90% travelling for leisure. Business and conference travel account for 6%, and 80% are repeat travellers. On average, Australians spend 17 nights in the U.S. Additionally, 30% of Australian visitors rent a car during their stay.

The review also included an analysis of travel activities and main ports of entry for U.S. travellers. In 2023, Los Angeles remained the leading port of entry, accounting for 37% of all entries into the U.S., Honolulu followed with 16%, while San Francisco accounted for 12%. New York and Dallas each saw a 6% share of entries, and Houston joined the list with 2%.

Key travel activities for 2023 included sightseeing (90%), shopping (88.8%), and visits to national parks and monuments (52.3%).

Caroline Davidson emphasised the importance of the Australian market in the context of global tourism trends, "Australia's position as a vital market for the U.S. travel industry continues to strengthen, driven by a combination of leisure travel, repeat visitors, and the increasing ease of travel between our two countries," Davidson said. "Our focus remains on fostering this growth and ensuring that the U.S. remains a top destination for Australian travellers."

Visit USA continues to bring together more than 130 U.S. travel businesses to collaborate and partner on growing U.S. tourism from Australia.

The Mid-Year Market Review was supported by the New York State Division of Tourism, and Visit USA extends its gratitude to its event sponsor, partners and attendees for their continued support in advancing U.S. tourism initiatives in Australia.

Saturday, 14 March 2020

The Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Los Angeles

Picnic Basket at Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
Photo: @sexyicecreamgirl, Instagram
Dining with the kids doesn’t mean the adults have to give up on great food in a lively environment. Check out these eateries from Downtown L.A. to Santa Monica that will satisfy all ages and palates.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken
516 W. 6th St., Los Angeles 90014
213-622-7876
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If there is ever a reason to eat donuts and fried chicken, it’s because the kids want to go. Just go with it - it’s the best excuse to indulge! Tag along to Astro's, located near Pershing Square in Downtown L.A., and enjoy a most tantalizing food mash-up. If you’ve got the full nuclear family in tow, go for the Picnic Basket with eight pieces of chicken, four cheddar biscuits, one large cole slaw and assorted donuts. Choose from flavors that include crème brûlée, PB&J, maple bacon, and chocolate banana daiquiri. Perhaps add some tater tots while you’re at it. And if someone isn’t keen on chicken pieces, pick up an order of chicken fingers.
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Smoky mozzarella sticks at Cosa Buona
Photo: @cosabuona, Instagram
Cosa Buona
2100 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
213-908-5211
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Chef-owner Zach Pollack’s Neapolitan pizza joint in Echo Park is casual and kid-friendly. While there isn't a specific kids menu, there’s plenty that will appeal—bubbly edged pizzas, smoky mozzarella sticks, meatballs, vegetable fritto misto, and more—plus the sandwich that everyone loves, the Chicken Parm made famous at his Silver Lake destination restaurant, Alimento. The cookies and cream semifreddo pie are irresistible.
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McConnell's Fine Ice Creams at Grand Central Market
Photo: @naoetanaka, Instagram
Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 90013
213-624-2378
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There is no better place to introduce culture and cuisine to kids than this century-old market in Downtown L.A. Start in the actual market itself and peruse the fruit and vegetable aisles. Then explore the food vendors within the 30,000 square-foot space. Find childhood favorites, global cuisine, and modern eats with made to order specialties that include ice cream, PB&J, pizza, eggs, tacos, chocolate, Asian cuisine, bbq, deli, falafel and more. This is one place where you will never hear, “There’s nothing to eat!”
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Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken | Photo: Joshua Lurie
Photo: Joshua Lurie
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
1262 Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles 90019
323-402-0232
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From the recipe that united a community in Tennessee 60 years ago, comes this spicy, hormone-free fried chicken that’s considered one of the best in the world. Burbank and Arlington Heights are now among the 22 franchise locations that use the same original recipe. Children ages 12 and under have meals just for them in case the chicken is too spicy. Choose from PB&J, grilled cheese, tenders, wings, or legs with a side of fries or mac n’ cheese, and a drink. Families can order multi-piece combos along with a slew of sides, including the can't-miss fried pickles, greens, and chess pie. Wash it all down with sweet tea.
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Sunday morning at Huckleberry Café
Photo: @marafamily Instagram
Huckleberry Cafe & Restaurant
1014 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 90401
310-451-2311
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From the husband and wife team of Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan, this bakery/café in Santa Monica is perfect for a quick bite or picking up food to go. Everything is made in-house using organic, local ingredients. The all-day kids menu will please any picky palate, and even if your kid doesn’t eat everything, chances are you’ll pick up the slack. Kids under 12 can choose scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast; Mary’s organic chicken fingers; PB&J on brioche; or grilled cheese on country bread. Odds are you’ll be swooping up some luscious baked goods too. Note: The lines do get long, so best to visit on an off-hour.
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Soft serve and a cookie at Jon & Vinny's
Photo: @marismac, Instagram
Jon & Vinny’s
412 North Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles 90036
323-334-3369
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Enjoy a lively meal out with kids in tow at this popular Italian American Fairfax restaurant from Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, two of Los Angeles’ most renowned restaurateurs. Families have two options: share an L.A. Woman pizza (a favorite) and bucatini cacio e pepe with the kids, or order shells & cheese, spaghetti, or cheese pizza off the kids menu for $12. Whichever you decide, it's pretty much guaranteed that they'll be very happy if you let them indulge in a Straus Family Creamery soft serve swirl for dessert. And don’t forget to check Helen’s Wine Shop and bring a bottle home for later. Reservations are a must.

Cast Iron Cookie at Mohawk Bend Photo: @dairyfreefinds, Instagram
Mohawk Bend
2141 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
213-483-2337
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This Echo Park gastropub with indoor/outdoor seating features a menu that appeals to all ages and preferences, including vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores. Children under 12 can order a Marley Meal that includes a choice of small cheese pizza, grilled chicken breast, or battered/grilled snapper and is accompanied with salad, fruit and fries. Having a kid with you might make it all the easier to indulge in a dessert like the Happy Camper S’Mores or Cast Iron Cookie — a la mode, of course.
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Little hands and a big Corbarina pizza at Pizzana
 Photo: @alizajsokolow, Instagram
Pizzana - Brentwood
11712 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles 90049
310-481-7108
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Pizza and kids. Enough said and easy enough. The couple behind Sprinkles, Candace and Charles Nelson, opened Pizzana in April 2017 with actor Chris O’Donnell and his wife, Christine. Their Brentwood pizzeria gets raves for its Neapolitan pizza due to the very light dough created by Italian master pizza chef, Daniele Uditi. Families will enjoy sharing pizza, salad, and antipasti (the meatballs are a kids fave!). Everyone should remember to save room for dessert because the meal wouldn’t be complete without Candace’s special neapolitan ice cream terrine or salted caramel panna cotta. Remember, this is the woman who created Sprinkles, so it’s gotta be good.
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Pre-meal coloring at Plan Check Sawtelle
 Photo: @salelizabeth, Instagram
Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
1800 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles 90025
310-444-1411
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This industrial-style gastropub serving American comfort food will have kids feeling like mini-adults at all four locations in Downtown L.A., Fairfax, Sawtelle and Santa Monica. Kids can choose mini versions of the PCB Burger with or without cheese and bacon, smokey fried chicken, grilled cheese, and mac n’ cheese. The sliders on the main menu are also kid-friendly. Of course, the entire family will want to indulge in the cruller donut - cooked to order and covered with cream and fruit.
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Jules' Fish and Chips | Photo: Tavern
Tavern
11648 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles 90049
310-806-6464
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This Brentwood establishment from prolific, award-winning restaurateurs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne is among the most stylish and progressive restaurants in Los Angeles, with three distinct areas under one roof: The Larder, bar area, and a dining room reminiscent of an airy, modern greenhouse. The Larder is the perfect order-at-the-counter spot to stop for a quick, casual bite with choices that include baked goods, breakfast items, salads, and sandwiches. The sit-down areas in the bar and dining room have a dedicated menu for kids age 12 and under that includes a half-sized version of the Tavern Burger, Jules' Fish and Chips, pasta with butter and parmesan, grilled cheese with apples, and grilled chicken with carrots. Veggie options are crudité and steamed broccoli. Dessert will please all ages with an abundance of choices made fresh daily by The Larder baking team. Bring on the best in kid sophistication with a Shirley Temple or Roy Rogers from the bar.
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Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Phone: + 61.2.9119.2250
Email: Oceania@LATourism.org
WeWork, 100 Harris St. Pyrmont NSW 2009 AUSTRALIA.
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/

Tuesday, 11 February 2020

Brand USA and MacGillivray Freeman Films release “Into America's Wild”

“Into America's Wild,” the new 3D documentary forIMAX® and giant-screen theaters, will take viewers on an incredible journey through the nation's most iconic wilderness areas. Produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films in association with Brand USA along with presenting sponsors, Expedia and United Airlines, this film showcases the diversity of the United States' natural and urban wonders.

A celebration of the transformational allure of nature and wild places, “Into America's Wild” is an exhilarating ride via kayak, bike, train, hot air balloon, zipline, kite surfboard, and more, into some of the most beautiful and undiscovered terrain of North America. From the wilds of Alaska and the lush coastline of Oregon, to the ancient canyons of the southwest and the rolling hills of the Appalachian Trail, “Into America's Wild” is wall-to-wall with natural treasures and the joy that comes from spending time in nature.

Guiding this journey are three trailblazers – pioneering Native American astronaut John Herrington, Alaskan pilot and youth advocate Ariel Tweto, and record-breaking long-distance hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis – who share a passion for connecting people to experiences in the wild. As they wind their way through the scenic byways, ancient homelands, secret gems, and hidden trails of America, viewers will discover the special human connection we all share with the natural world.

Brand USA continues to leverage cinematic film to highlight the nearly limitless travel experiences the United States has to offer. Following the two previous highly successful giant screen movies, “Into America's Wild” will premiere in hundreds of theaters across the globe and inspire even more international travel to the United States.

“Into America's Wild is a nonstop adventure to some of America's most stunning and little-known natural landscapes and trails and a vital exploration into how being in nature can spark peak experiences that improve our lives,” said Greg MacGillivray, chairman of MacGillivray Freeman Films and director of “Into America's Wild”.

“With the full immersive impact of the giant-screen experience, Into America's Wild invites viewers to connect to their inner trailblazer and set out on their own outdoor adventure, whether it's a trip to the mountains or desert, or a walk in their neighborhood park,” adds Shaun MacGillivray, the film's producer and president of MacGillivray Freeman Films.

This film is family-friendly and has a run time of 40 minutes. Additional information is available at IntoAmericasWild.com.

About Brand USA
Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, was established by the Travel Promotion Act as the nation's first public-private partnership to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S. travel policies and procedures to worldwide travelers. The organization's mission is to increase international visitation to the USA in order to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance the image of the United States worldwide. Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA. According to studies by Oxford Economics, over the past six years, Brand USA's marketing initiatives have helped welcome 6.6 million incremental visitors to the USA, benefiting the U.S. economy with more than $21.8 billion in total economic impact and supporting, on average, nearly 52,000 incremental U.S. jobs a year.

For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com. Discover more about the USA and the boundless diversity of American travel experiences and authentic, rich culture at VisitTheUSA.com, follow Visit The USA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, hear the many voices and view the countless stories of America at GoUSA TV available on Roku, Apple, TV, Amazon Fire, Google Play, and Apple iOS.

About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world's foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen 70mm films with 45 films for IMAX® and giant-screen theaters to its credit. Throughout the company's 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame. MacGillivray Freeman's films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office. For more information about the company, visit MacGillivrayFreemanFilms.com.

Website: www.visittheusa.com/