While reports of weakened US travel demand continue—there’s one operator quietly expanding its US product, and starting to reap the rewards.
“What started as a big idea to excite, inspire, and inform Kiwi travellers about everything there is to see and do across the USA has turned into something we’re pretty proud of,” says industry veteran and Travel USA founder Andrew Gay. “Along the way, we’ve also made it easier (and more fun) for agents to sell the destination with confidence. One year in, and Travel USA officially covers all 50 states, plus Washington, DC and 24 major cities…” Gay says the web platform now offers more than 2500 handpicked attractions, experiences, hotels, and ideas to help agents build itineraries.
. . . Support
While noting that its rapid growth is off a small base, Gay says the start-up could not have been successful without the backing of some key partners. “We’ve been genuinely humbled by the backing we’ve had from our Star Alliance partners, Air New Zealand and United Airlines, and from so many amazing US tourism boards and state reps who believed in what we’re building from day one,” he says. “That support has helped us get to this milestone faster than we imagined. And as more agents and brokers discover what we offer, support continues to grow; we’re here to make selling the USA easier, more exciting, and more rewarding than ever.”
. . . The Difference
Gay acknowledges that there are other options in the market with slick tech, massive product feeds, and impressive APIs. “At Travel USA, we take a more hands-on, human approach. Call us old school (we’ll take it as a compliment), but no algorithms have the instincts of a Kiwi who knows the US inside out. We’re all about tailor-made picks, local know-how, and content made just for our market…”
. . .Top Picks
When asked for the top sellers, Gay says the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville has proved a Kiwi favourite, while its most popular itinerary is A Deep South Road Trip through Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana, combining space rockets, cowboy culture, live blues, country music, BBQ and Cajun cuisine.
And Gay’s top tip for clients? “Get them to download the Mobile Passport Control app. It’s a brilliant time-saver at US immigration and totally free!” See more Travel USA details HERE.
