Brand USA to lead largest-ever delegation of senior U.S. travel representatives to India

by NR INDRAN / INT

Brand USA, the new tourism marketing entity responsible for promoting the United States to world visitors, has organized its first-ever travel mission from September 9 to September 14, 2012 in India. The mission, which sold out within 30 days of being offered to U.S. travel organizations, consists of 50 delegates representing 35 U.S. destinations and companies who will visit New Delhi and Mumbai.

In earlier years, this mission was organized by the U.S. Travel Association, making this the sixth travel trade mission from the United States to promote tourism in the Indian market.

The agenda of the U.S. delegates is to meet travel agents, airline representative, tour operators, and the travel trade media. Brand USA’s objective in-market is to rekindle the holidaymakers’ love affair with America – reclaiming the USA’s share of the market and positioning the country as a diverse destination with nearly limitless opportunities and experiences. By highlighting the country as a fresh and unexpected destination, with welcoming and friendly locals, Brand USA’s intention is to promote the United States of America as the world’s leading tourism destination.

“Brand USA is a unique marketing initiative which encourages international travelers to experience the infinite experiences that our country has to offer. With President Obama recognizing tourism as an important sector of the U.S. economy, we are hopeful of maximizing our nation’s potential as a leading tourist destination for Indian travelers”, says Caroline Beteta, interim CEO and Chair-Elect of Brand USA.

The United States welcomed a record 62 million international visitors in 2011, 2.5 million more than the year before. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 663,000 Indians visited the United States in 2011, ranking the country 12 in the world in terms of arrivals. However in 2011, Indians ranked 10th in the world in terms of spending, and spent a record-breaking $4.4 billion – an increase of nearly 10% when compared to 2010.

Paul Cerula, Chief Business Development Officer, Brand USA adds “India is one of the key markets for us with the number of Indians traveling to the United States growing from 309,000 in 2004 to 660,000 in 2011 – an impressive 115% growth in travel during that time. We are hopeful of generating nearly 1.3 million arrivals from India in 2016 and by bringing this largest ever delegation of U.S. travel representatives, shows our commitment towards achieving this goal.”

You can contact author @ nr_indran@rediffmail.com