The 12 Benefits of Membership
1. Marketing
Throughout the year, Visit USA (UK) undertakes a series of marketing activities that involve promotion of the USA from the UK. Activities vary and the objective is always to maximise Visit USA strength to deliver membership participation, at zero cost or at a better price and/or in a better promotional environment than individual members could achieve themselves. Activities include:
- Advertising Co-operative campaigns featuring a 'Visit USA' banner in proven media in key booking periods.
- Exhibitions & participation at general trade and consumer travel shows, as well as targeted 'in-house' events
Visit USA also participates in the SeeAmerica Pavilion at World Travel Market.
2. Training
A successful, high quality, self study training programme that Visit USA has developed to increase the UK industry's knowledge and awareness of the USA and the very wide range of destinations, attractions, facilities and holiday types that are available. Contained on 6 CD's, more detail of this wide-ranging programme will be found on the Visit USA Website (see paragraph 3 below).
3. Website
A comprehensive facility, provided either free or offered on a 'pay to play' basis, that offers the following member benefits:
4. Conferences and Networking
A variety of networking opportunities take place throughout the year, primarily at our regular General Meetings where members are updated on current issues and Association activities and where time is made for networking prior to the meetings. From time to time, lunches are arranged in conjunction with meetings, ie, Christmas. All such Visit USA events are open to all members and provide a forum for industry issues concerning travel to the USA.
Whenever possible, Visit USA hosts breakfasts, lunches or dinners as appropriate, for the UK trade, the primary objective of which is to raise awareness of the USA as a holiday destination. e.g. In February 2002, Visit USA hosted a UK travel trade breakfast for former Mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani.
All Visit USA (UK) events are open to all members and provide a forum for industry issues concerning travel to the USA.
5. Press Relations
The Association acts as the authoritative voice for the travel industry to the UK trade and consumer press on all matters relating to travel to the USA. In so doing it routinely issues a series of press releases on current major issues, hosts regular luncheons and briefings with key members of the press as well as providing monthly market update columns for the UK's leading travel industry publications.
6. Information & Request Service
A consumer telephone service that provides accurate information on USA travel, answers enquiries and provides a brochure pack of latest member and Destination USA information.
7. Publications
Visit USA (UK) publishes a regular online newsletter featuring members’ services and news. This is available to all via our web site and is also distributed directly to UK travel trade and media by e-mail. We also have our own newsletter contained within Selling Long Haul magazine each month and also have regular columns in other UK travel trade press. We also publish our yearly Visit USA Travel Planner – a comprehensive travel guide to the USA featuring all Visit USA Members also with destination and other travel information. With a circulation of 100,00, this guide is distributed to the consumer and travel trade via our travel information and brochure request line, web site, consumer travel shows and other ad hoc direct mailings.
8. Database Marketing
On an ongoing basis, the various activities undertaken by Visit USA generate consumer names and addresses that are then made available to members for their own direct marketing activities. Business-to-Business direct mail opportunities are also available within the Visit USA's own membership database.
9. Market Research
From time to time, as required by market circumstance, Visit USA undertakes tracking and ad hoc market research amongst members and / or consumers into relevant issues of the day. Results are shared with all members to action according to their own individual needs.
10. See America Week
This highly successful event, held in conjunction with the Travel Industry Association of America, takes place annually in June and brings together US suppliers and all the UK's leading travel trade press. There are a number of excellent sponsorship opportunities available to members.
11. Travel Media Awards
Awards, in a variety of categories relating to USA travel writing, are presented to leading writers at an annual event during SeeAmerica Week - staged and hosted by Visit USA (UK). Selection of winners is undertaken by a panel of established and experienced travel experts, working under the Chairmanship of a Visit USA (UK) Board member.
12. Visit USA Summer Ball
Visit USA (UK) hold an annual Summer Ball, usually during SeeAmerica Week, at some of London’s most prestigious venues. The only such event dedicated to the UK-USA travel and tourism industry, this sell-out event is now in its 6th year and is one of THE events on the annual travel industry calendar. A number of sponsorship opportunities are available.
Public / Private Sector Partnership
Visit USA (UK) is very proud to be involved in the highly successful partnership with like-minded colleagues at both the Travel Industry Association of America and the United States Commercial Service.
The 'Travel Team' partnership started life in the UK and has proven to be such a success that it now serves as a role model and is being increasingly adopted by other international markets around the world.