The Visit USA Association UK marked its 30th year as a members’ association this summer by hosting two successful signature events.
First up, On June 30, was the Visit USA UK Media Awards, held at Savage Garden, DoubleTree by Hilton London Tower of London.
The awards recognised 18 travel writers, broadcasters and content creators for their outstanding coverage of U.S, destinations over the past year, alongside five special awards honouring exceptional contributions to promoting travel to the USA.
Winners, who were were selected by an independent panel of judges, included Selling Travel’s Editorial Director Steve Hartridge, who was recognised for his “Editorial Excellence”.
The following day, on a glorious afternoon and evening at the Hurlingham Club, London, the association’s popular Summer Affair welcomed destinations, operators and media to a gala dinner and fund-raising event.
More than 360 guests attended, with their early attention focused on a screening of the England v Democratic Republic of Congo World Cup match, sponsored by the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Headline sponsor World Travel Market (WTM) has supported the Summer Affair since 2007, with proceeds from the annual event benefiting its nominated charity, Just a Drop, which works to provide sustainable, clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) solutions to poor and remote communities around the world.
And this year’s Summer Affair raised more than £10,000 for the charity, a record sum for the event.
Over the course of the partnership, Visit USA UK has helped raise more than £90,000, supporting projects that have provided nearly two million people with access to safe water.
Fiona Jeffery, Founder and Chair of Just a Drop, said: “The Visit USA Summer Affair is a highlight of our calendar. The partnership between Visit USA UK and WTM has created an incredible legacy, helping transform communities across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
“The generosity shown by the travel industry and media demonstrates the positive impact we can achieve when we come together.”
Guests also enjoyed a record number of raffle and auction prizes, including six trips donated by Visit USA UK members.
Kate Kenward, CEO of Visit USA Association UK, said: “The Media Awards and Summer Affair are our flagship events of the year, and it is wonderful to see the trade and media’s enthusiasm and support for the USA and the Association.
“Visit USA UK would like to thank all sponsors and members who supported this year’s anniversary celebrations.”
Visit USA is a membership organisation that brings together experts from the widest range of U.S. states and destinations, travel, accommodation, entertainment and other US-travel related products and services.
