You describe America 4 You as a ‘boutique operator’. What does this mean in terms of the hotels, activities, experiences, ranches and fly-drives you recommend?
America 4 You specialises in smaller, unique properties and destinations.
We offer chain hotels, but we also contract with properties that don’t typically work with the larger inbound operators as they may have less than 10 rooms or may not have an online booking system.
We feature destinations that aren’t “high volume”; for example, we’ve been offering Kansas and Oklahoma for years.
We also work with a wide variety of ranches, including smaller properties, to match their offerings to the needs and expectations of the international traveller.
How can UK operators and travel agents work with you when putting together tailor-made USA itineraries for their clients?
We do offer an online booking system, however most operators and agents come to us for tailor-made recommendations.
They send me an email with their clients’ requests and I then craft the perfect trip.
I’ve visited 48 of the 50 states, so my itineraries and quotes are based on first-hand experience.
Marita in our team specialises in ranches in the American Southwest, so between the two of us we can quote almost anything in the U.S.
How important is the UK market for you?
The UK is an important market as the Brits are among the most “consistent” travellers to the U.S. They are also open to getting “off the beaten track” and like to do travel the way we offer it.
What do you hope to get out of your Visit USA UK membership; that is, what do you see as the main opportunities?
We joined to show our support of the UK market and to keep ourselves informed about current trends in the market there.
How do you (a) assess the current health of inbound travel to the US and (b) are UK numbers holding up?
The UK is still travelling, especially the clientele we work with as most have been to the U.S. multiple times and many are heading beyond the main gateways. They understand that their holiday experiences will be positive and enjoyable.
While I don’t want to downplay the current issues, my message is that those of us here working in tourism – that is, hotels, restaurants, activities, etc. – are here to welcome international travellers and make their experience as positive as we can.
Finally, what is your own favourite experience of a unique U.S. holiday?
I have a soft spot in my heart for the Rocky Mountains region – Wyoming, Yellowstone, Montana and Black Hills. I love getting out and exploring the national parks, hiking, rafting, horseback riding and adventuring.
But I’ve found something unique and wonderful in every part of the U.S. I’ve visited, and almost everywhere I’ve been, I’ve wanted to return for another trip.
