A NEW lineup of suppliers from across Canada and the U.S. are excited to meet with travel agents at our dedicated Selling Travel Connect: North America events in September
Join us this September to connect with suppliers showcasing their products from across the continent.
Partners confirmed so far include: Alaska Airlines, Visit Florida, Visit Huntington Beach, Philadelphia, North America Travel Services, Travelpack, Visit Lubbock, Visit Mississippi, Baltimore, Sun Peaks, Great Lakes USA, Visit Tampa Bay, Toronto.
The evening will consist of catching up over refreshments, speed dating with suppliers, a panel Q&A and a prize draw with some amazing prizes up for grabs.
NEWCASTLE SEPTEMBER 21
County Hotel
Neville Street,
Newcastle, NE1 5DF
18.00 – 21.15pm
CHESTER SEPTEMBER 22
The Queen At Chester Hotel
52 City Rd,
Chester CH1 3AH
18.00 – 21.15pm
We look forward to seeing you there!
Order of evening
17.30 – 18.00pm
Supplier set-up
18.00 – 19.00pm
Agents arrive/networking with F&B service
18.00 – 20.30pm
Agent speed-dating
20.30 – 20.40pm
Break
20.40 – 21.00pm
Q&A with suppliers
21.00 – 21.15pm
Prize draws
21.15pm
Finish
Meet the Exhibitors
BALTIMORE
Visit Baltimore is the official destination marketing organisation for Baltimore, Maryland, helping travel agents, tour operators and tourism partners discover and sell the very best of Charm City. From destination training and itinerary ideas to imagery, planning resources and expert support, the team provides everything needed to bring Baltimore holidays to life.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Capital Region USA, Baltimore delivers small town charm, big city energy and plenty of unexpected experiences. Its convenient East Coast location also makes it a brilliant addition to a multi centre adventure, with Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City all easily accessible by Amtrak.
Visitors can stroll along the Inner Harbor, explore the historic waterfront streets of Fell’s Point, hunt for quirky finds in colourful Hampden or soak up the views from Federal Hill. Add world class attractions such as the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry National Monument and Shrine, and the American Visionary Art Museum, plus fascinating African American heritage, colourful street art, live music and thrilling sport, and there is something for every traveller.
Baltimore is famous for its Maryland blue crabs, but visitors will also find historic public markets, neighbourhood favourites and award winning restaurants. Authentic, welcoming and full of personality, Baltimore is a city best experienced for yourself. You won’t get it until you get here!
Contact: Bethany Dunn bdunn@mmgy.com
Great Lakes USA
(Chester only)
Great Lakes USA is the official regional tourism partnership representing eight U.S. states surrounding the Great Lakes: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The organisation works to inspire international visitors, particularly from the UK and Ireland, by promoting the region as a diverse, year round destination that combines vibrant cities, spectacular natural landscapes and authentic American experiences.
Rather than promoting a single destination, Great Lakes USA showcases the region’s breadth of experiences, encouraging longer multi state itineraries that feature iconic cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis alongside scenic coastlines, charming small towns, national and state parks, outdoor adventures and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy road trips, island hopping, lake cruises, world class golf, hiking, cycling, watersports, autumn foliage, winter sports, culinary experiences and music and arts attractions. The region is easily accessible through direct international flights to major gateways including Chicago, Detroit and Toronto.
Its goal is to position the Great Lakes as an alternative USA holiday choice for travellers seeking authentic, immersive experiences beyond the country’s traditional gateway destinations, appealing particularly to repeat visitors looking for something new and different.
Contact: Ela Ayhan eayhan@mmgy.com
LUBBOCK
(Newcastle only)
From Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter to western boots dominating fashion runways, cowboy culture is booming, and Lubbock, Texas sits at its heart. With rugged landscapes and an untamed spirit, the region has become a cinematic playground for the Yellowstone universe, cementing West Texas as ground zero for the neo-Western revival.
While pop culture rediscovers the mythos of the American West, Lubbock never left it behind. Here, the cowboy isn’t a costume but a legacy, with ranching traditions, grit and generational pride shaping everyday life in this High Plains city.
Home to the National Ranching Heritage Center on the Texas Tech University campus, visitors can explore historic ranch structures and ranching traditions. Lubbock also gateways the Texas High Plains wine region, which produces 90% of the state’s grapes and can be explored along the Texas High Plains Wine Trail.
For modern cowboy culture, a not to miss event is Cotton Fest at Cook’s Garage, a lively three-day celebration of country music, BBQ, goat roping and mechanical bulls, full of yee-haw moments.
Contact: Abigail Harlow Abi@MDSG.eu
Visit Florida
(Chester only)
VISIT FLORIDA is the Official Tourism Marketing Corporation for the State of Florida, dedicated to promoting one of the world’s most diverse and sought-after holiday destinations. From iconic beaches and world-famous theme parks to vibrant cities, unique wildlife and year-round sunshine, Florida offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.For UK and Ireland visitors, Florida remains one of the most popular long-haul destinations, combining exceptional value with incredible variety. Beyond the renowned attractions of Orlando and the beaches of Miami, travellers can discover charming coastal towns, luxury resorts, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, culinary hotspots and over 1,300 miles of coastline.VISIT FLORIDA works closely with the travel trade, airlines, tour operators, travel agents and destination partners to support bookings and inspire travellers to explore more of the Sunshine State. Through training programmes, marketing campaigns, trade events and educational resources, VISIT FLORIDA helps agents stay informed about the latest tourism developments, new attractions, accommodation options and travel itineraries.Whether clients are seeking a family holiday, fly-drive adventure, luxury escape, wildlife encounter, city break or multi-centre itinerary, Florida offers endless possibilities. VISIT FLORIDA is committed to helping travel professionals sell Florida with confidence and create memorable holiday experiences for their customers.
Contact: Muna Abanour muna@goshpr.co.uk
Mississippi
(Newcastle only)
More than 100 years ago, the blues was born in Mississippi. The sounds of our state gave country its twang, R&B its soul, jazz its blue note, and rock ‘n’ roll its king. Come experience the rich musical heritage and ongoing influence of Mississippi, the Birthplace of America’s Music. The state’s rich culture and heritage can be found in the state’s museums, historical homes, Civil War sites and landmarks. If you’re looking for a great adventure, a great escape or simply a great dinner, then we invite you to follow your nose, ears and eyes to Mississippi.
Contact: Hannah McClure Hannah@ttmworld.co.uk
Philadelphia
GEC TR represent the USA destinatons of Philadelphia and The Countryside of Philadelphia both situated in north-east USA sandwiched between New York City and Washington DC.
We have represented both destinations for over 10+ years within the trade travel and travel media sectors. We are here to educate the trade / media and provide confidence in selling these areas in order that these can be added and enhance a north-east of the USA itinerary.
We offer collateral and online guides for those who require extra digital assets.
Contact: Julie Greenhill julie@gectr.co.uk
Sun Peaks
Set amongst tree clad mountains, Sun Peaks is a resort community located in the heart of British Columbia, only a four-hour drive from Vancouver. It’s a year-round destination for guests in search of a welcoming, stress-free mountain experience.
The European style purpose-built village is pedestrian-only with 45+ locally-owned boutique shops and restaurants. Guests will also savour the relaxed atmosphere and friendly welcome, making them quickly feel at home.
In winter Sun Peaks offers award winning ski and snowboarding in the second largest ski area in Canada.
Summer in Sun Peaks offers guests a wide range of leisure activities, featuring lift-access alpine hiking, sightseeing and a downhill mountain bike park. Visitors can also enjoy British Columbia’s highest golf course, stand-up paddle-boarding or canoeing and kayaking on one of the local lakes, guided hiking tours among the wildflowers as well as horseback riding, yoga and more.
With activities and dining on offer just steps from the door of the lodging, even guests arriving for short stays can still find time to explore or they can simply choose to enjoy the village by sitting back and taking in the views and the fresh mountain air.
Contact: Dave Ashmore dave@ashmoremarketing.com
Travelpack
Travelpack, a proud family-owned business since 1981, brings over 40 years of expertise to the travel trade. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to service, Travelpack partners with travel agents to deliver exceptional holiday experiences for their clients. As one of the UK’s leading flight consolidators and tour operators, we offer an extensive portfolio – from worldwide flights with leading airlines to tailor-made luxury escapes, tours, cruises, car hire, rail journeys, and unforgettable excursions.
Our flexible booking options empower agents to choose the way they work – whether it’s the speed and convenience of our online platform or the personalised support of our highly experienced travel experts. With ATOL, ABTA, and IATA accreditation, you can book with total confidence, knowing your clients are in safe hands.
At Travelpack, we understand that every booking is more than just a trip – it’s a memory in the making. That’s why we work tirelessly to provide competitive rates, exclusive deals, and expert guidance, helping our partners exceed client expectations every time.
When you work with Travelpack, you’re not just booking travel – you’re gaining a trusted partner dedicated to your success.
Contact: Heena Bhudia heena.bhudia@travelpack.com
Visit Huntington Beach
(Newcastle only)
Known as Surf City USA®, Huntington Beach is one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal destinations, where a laid-back beach lifestyle meets year-round sunshine and endless outdoor adventure. Stretching along 10 miles of pristine Pacific coastline, the city is renowned for its world-class surf, vibrant beach culture and spectacular sunsets, making it a favourite for visitors from around the globe.
At the heart of the destination is the historic Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest on the West Coast, offering panoramic ocean views and easy access to the bustling downtown district. Here, visitors can explore surf shops, lively restaurants, rooftop bars and craft breweries, all just steps from the sand. Beyond the beach, Huntington Beach is home to more than 1,500 acres of parks and wetlands, including the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, where walking trails and wildlife viewing provide a peaceful contrast to the city’s energetic surf scene.
Whether learning to catch a wave, cycling the beachfront path, enjoying fresh seafood with an ocean view or relaxing around a beach bonfire, Huntington Beach offers an authentic California experience. Ideally located within Orange County, it’s also the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions including Disneyland Resort, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Los Angeles. Combining outdoor adventure, coastal luxury and an unmistakably relaxed atmosphere, Huntington Beach captures the very essence of the Southern California lifestyle.
Contact: Mark Meredith mark@rocketlondon.co.uk
North America Travel Service
North America Travel Service (NATS) is one of the UK’s leading specialist tour operators, dedicated to creating tailor-made holidays to the USA and Canada. Established in 1979, NATS has built a strong reputation for expertise, exceptional customer service, and unrivalled destination knowledge. Based in Leeds, the company works with both direct customers and travel agents across the UK, offering personalised holiday experiences designed around each client’s individual requirements.
Whether customers are seeking a self-drive adventure through the American Southwest, a luxury city break in New York, a Canadian Rocky Mountaineer journey, an Alaskan cruise, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hawaii, NATS provides expert guidance and carefully planned itineraries. The team’s extensive firsthand experience of North America ensures clients benefit from genuine insight, recommendations, and support throughout the booking process.
As an ATOL-protected, tour operator, NATS combines financial security with outstanding service standards, giving customers complete peace of mind. The company partners with leading airlines, hotels, cruise lines, rail operators, and attractions to offer a comprehensive range of holiday options.
With more than four decades of experience, North America Travel Service remains passionate about helping customers discover the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, iconic attractions, and unforgettable experiences that make the USA and Canada such popular travel destinations.
Contact: Damian Hayward damian.hayward@nats-uk.com
Tampa Bay Florida
Bask in the warm sun, thrilling fun, and rich culture that welcomes all. When you Unlock Tampa Bay, the hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll discover adventures with a relaxing vibe and create vacation experiences that are authentically Tampa Bay.
Dine at world-class, award-winning restaurants with cuisine as rich as our culture. Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, linking eateries, parks, and cultural centers like gems on a string. Adventure unforgettably on thrilling rides at Busch Gardens ® Tampa Bay. Step into the past in Ybor City, where Cuban artisans have hand-rolled cigars since 1885. Revel in the spirit of Gasparilla, Tampa Bay’s annual pirate-themed party. Or delight in the beauty of Tampa Bay from the water with sporting activities, river cruises, and our iconically named Pirate Water Taxi. Treasure awaits all that visit Tampa Bay.
Spend three glorious days exploring Tampa Bay. With cruises from Port Tampa going to the Gulf and Caribbean, and the cruise port just steps away from our renowned riverwalk, Tampa Bay serves as an ideal few stress-free days pre- or post- cruise. Planning a larger Florida itinerary? Fly into Tampa first, relax in the heart of downtown, then pick up your car after taking advantage of our uniquely walkable destination with our very own free public transport, the TECO streetcar. Getting to Tampa couldn’t be easier, with daily direct flights from London and an award-winning international airport. Delight in all that Tampa Bay has to offer.
Contact: Adam Traynor adam.traynor@four.agency
