The U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow, held in Miami May 16 – 21, brought together more than 3,500 destination marketers across the country along with tour operators and media from around the world. With nearly every state and most major U.S. attractions attending, representatives from Ohio included the Tourism Division and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Media appointments were extremely productive, with many high-profile international and domestic media interested in exploring travel stories in Ohio. Media from Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, Mexico, Japan and more showed interest in the Buckeye State. Appointments with tour operators were down from last year, when the conversion rate was more favorable and the world economy was better. Still, several meetings with operators from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and France produced promising relationships. The trend of independent fly-drive packages continues to grow.
The event also featured a keynote speech from U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. The fact that this was his first public industry speech bodes well for the travel industry. Locke announced that his priorities for the U.S. Travel Industry include easing visa wait times for international travelers, making the visitor experience friendlier at points of entry and supporting a national effort at tourism marketing.
Leads are available from Joe Vargo at joe.vargo@development.ohio.gov.
Comments