Our Selling Travel Connect: North America events were held in Newcastle upon Tyne and Chester this week.
Agents met with suppliers representing Alaska Airlines, Destination Toronto, Great Lakes USA, North America Travel Service, Sun Peaks Resort, Travelpack, Visit Baltimore, Visit Huntington Beach (Surf City USA), Visit Lubbock, Visit Mississippi, Visit Philadelphia, Visit Tampa Bay and Visit Florida.
Here’s a roundup of news agents heard over both evenings.
The world’s first direct Seattle-Athens service
Alaska Airlines’ new Seattle-Athens service will be its longest route yet. Starting on May 12 2027, it will be the first nonstop connection by any airline between the two cities.
A new, seasonal Seattle-Paris route will operate from May 25.
From London Heathrow, Alaska Airlines operates a nonstop flight to Seattle on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. From there, connections are available across the Pacific Northwest, down the West Coast and to the Hawaiian Islands.
Destination Toronto
Toronto is an ideal destination for UK travellers and the gateway to Ontario, offering everything from world-class dining and diverse neighbourhoods to iconic attractions including the CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market and Toronto Islands. Encourage clients to spend at least three nights discovering the city, leaving time to explore beyond the must-sees and experience Toronto like a local.
Experience an authentic, well-connected East Coast city
Baltimore offers travellers excellent value without compromising on experiences. Visitors can enjoy world-class museums, live sports, African-American heritage and Maryland blue crabs in a city that is an ideal addition to an East Coast itinerary.
It’s easy to combine visits with itineraries featuring other cities, thanks to convenient Amtrak connections. Washington, D.C. is one hour away, Philadelphia two and New York City is under four hours away.
A destination with multi-state fly-drive itineraries and cruises
The Great Lakes contain around 20% of the world’s surface freshwater. By surface area, they form the planet’s largest freshwater system.
The Great Lakes USA is an opportunity to inspire repeat visitors to the U.S. with something fresh. Spanning eight states, the region offers cities such as Chicago, scenic road trips, charming lakeside towns, national and state parks, freshwater beaches, vibrant food and music scenes, and year-round outdoor adventures.
Exploring Surf City USA in Southern California
Huntington Beach is the nearest beach to Disneyland, a 25-minute drive away, making it an ideal base for families. A 45- to 60-minute drive from LAX, Huntington Beach is also a good spot to start or end a Southern California itinerary. Clients can pick up a rental car when they leave or drop off their rental car when they arrive, as the downtown area is walkable. This helps save on unnecessary rental days and hotel parking.
Americana and prairie dogs in ‘Hub City’
Lubbock, Texas, has a distinct western heritage rooted in cotton fields and vineyards and breathes Americana. The city itself embraces creativity, country music and its role as the birthplace of Buddy Holly.
Prairie Dog Town is home to one of the longest-established prairie dog colonies in the country. Meanwhile, bison are one of the attractions of nearby Caprock Canyons State Park, one of several destinations offering outdoor activities near Lubbock.
A trio of reasons to book travel to the Magnolia State
(Credit: Visit Mississippi)
Mississippi has three compelling reasons to visit in 2027. The state will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing with special events, exhibitions and musical tributes in Tupelo and beyond.
Tupelo will also welcome the new Chickasaw Heritage Center, offering an immersive insight into the history, culture and traditions of the Chickasaw people.
Additionally, the Amtrak Mardi Gras service – linking New Orleans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Mobile – makes multi-centre itineraries easier and appeals to travellers who appreciate rail experiences.
A personal touch for holidays in North America since 1979
North America Travel Service (NATS) has been helping UK travellers discover the USA and Canada since 1979 – long before the internet, online maps or mobile boarding passes existed. Its holidays have been tailor-made since day one and that personal approach remains at the heart of everything the company does.
The country’s most walkable city gets set to celebrate 50 years of Rocky
In 2026, Philadelphia celebrated its role in the foundation of the USA 250 years earlier. For the fourth consecutive year, it was named the country’s Most Walkable City to Visit in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Now a Michelin-starred restaurant city, Philadelphia will host RockyFest in December 2026, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the film Rocky and thefranchise it spawned.
Outdoor activities around a pedestrian-only village four hours’ drive from Vancouver
Located in central BC, Sun Peaks offers a charming and friendly stopping point on self-drive itineraries.
It offers an array of attractions and activities for guests, including British Columbia’s highest 18-hole golf course, stand-up paddle-boarding, canoeing and kayaking on local lakes, as well as guided hiking tours, horse riding and the thrills of a downhill mountain bike park.
Five times a week from London to Tampa Bay with British Airways
From October, British Airways will introduce a fifth flight a week, moving departures from London Gatwick to London Heathrow.
That will help make it easier for tourists to experience Tampa Bay’s tourism developments, which include new Pendry and Moxy/AC hotels plus the boutique Inn at El Reloj in the historic Ybor City neighbourhood.
ZooTampa’s redesigned Florida Waters exhibit showcases the state’s unique marine ecosystems and the zoo’s manatee rescue and rehabilitation work.
The Armature Works remains a standout dining destination, offering a riverfront venue with skyline views.
Travelpack’s guaranteed holiday pricing
(Credit: Stuart Forster/Why Eye Photography)
Travelpack presented its escort touring solutions to agents, emphasising that it offers three-year Out of Date Range guaranteed pricing that enables clients to plan major holidays around key dates.
The company’s intimate, small group itineraries facilitate seamlessly packaged cruise, sports, music and Viator experiences, part of a service that enables travel agents to build tailor-made, high-value tours for every type of client.
Thinking beyond Orlando helps sell holidays to Florida
Visitors who enjoy a twin- or multi-centre Florida holiday that include some nights beyond Orlando are five times more likely to book a return trip.
Visit Florida’s Live More Floridays campaign highlights diverse experiences beyond theme parks. Away from its beaches, Florida offers culture, nature, cuisine and unique communities. Adding an extra stop enables visitors to unlock the full Florida story.
Prize-winning agents
Agents had the opportunity to win some fabulous prizes by attending.
In Newcastle, the prize winners were: Linda Taylor, Scarlett Macgregor, Nicola Booth, Sarah Hattan, Sally Pringle, Micaela Hall, Steven Teasdale, Caitlin Bannister, Kathy Hudspith and Nadia KW.
The prize winners in Chester were: Kim Bower, Lezli Flaherty, Debbie Roberts, Ciara Smith, Lian Phillips, Joanne Richards, Debra Charles, Rob Griffiths, Sarah Walker and Cheryll Jacks.
Sign up for Connect events
Selling Travel is hitting the road with Connect events across the UK.
Join us for Tenerife-themed Connect events in Edinburgh (September 28), Belfast (September 29) and Bristol (September 30).
Next month, Indian Ocean and Middle East Connect events will be held in London (October 5), Nottingham (October 6) and Solihull (October 7). During the following week, Guildford will host a Showcase-themed event on October 12.
Register your interest in attending these or other upcoming events.
See you in a city near you soon!
