OUT & ABOUT
VISIT CALIFORNIA HIT THE ROAD THIS JULY, VISITING GLASGOW, DUBLIN AND LONDON. THE DELEGATION INCLUDED TOURISM REPRESENTATIVES AND PRODUCT SUPPLIERS FROM THE GOLDEN STATE, WHO CAME TOGETHER FOR THE CALIFORNIA TRAINING ROADSHOW. LAURA GELDER REPORTS
Golden State on tour
D
uring the fi rst week of July over 350 agents from across Britain and Ireland attended
the roadshow and met with 12 key suppliers including regional tourism boards, a hotel group and some top California attractions.
Sponsors for the various events
included Intrepid Travel, Air New Zealand, Travel 2 and Virgin Atlantic, who made sure the agents were
looked after with
a buffet meal and plenty of tea, coffee and cake in-between training sessions. At the London roadshow agents saw a presentation that gave them an overview of California before dividing into groups to meet suppliers for 15-minute sessions. The events ended with a wine reception and a prize draw to win a holiday to California, a place on the next California SuperFAM, and more.
BEVERLY HILLS CVB: January 28, 2014 marks the 100th birthday of the famously swanky LA district, and there will be a series of events to mark the centenary throughout 2014. These will include the opening of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, housed in the historic Beverly Hills Post Office building. GHML HOTELS AND DNC USA PARKS AND RESORTS: A top tip from Director of Sales, Sarah Parry, was to book Yosemite in the shoulder season: “It’s not just
good value at this time, it’s visually stunning too. In spring the waterfalls are in full force and in autumn the tree foilage colours are beautiful.”
GREATER PALM SPRINGS CVB: Vice President of the CVB Ashlee Ciora was on-hand to sell the sunshine factor: “We have 350 days of sunshine a year so we
are a year-round destination. Summer is a great-value time to get cheap deals. The thermometer reaches around 40C but the heat is dry so it’s not unpleasant.” HUNTINGTON BEACH MVB: Director of Marketing and Communications, Madison Fisher, told agents: “We are THE authentic SoCal beach experience – picture- postcard but with a small-town vibe.” The beach will soon open a new Vans- sponsored skate park soon, with lessons and workshops from professional skaters. PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM: The bureau encouraged agents to sell Palm Springs as a twin- centre. The resort is just two hours from San Diego or Los Angeles and it’s only a four-hour highly-scenic drive to Las Vegas, with the picturesque Joshua Tree National Park situated in-between. Downtown Palm Springs will see a Hard Rock Café open later this year. SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL: Tourism Director, Hubertus Funke’s, main message was for people to explore. He said: “San Francisco has so many great but lesser- known neighbourhoods that are worth a look. Recommend the Mission District for ethnic eateries, or the Castro District for its vibrant gay scene.” The city’s new cruise terminal opens in 2014.
“PALM SPRINGS HAS 350 DAYS OF SUNSHINE A YEAR SO WE ARE A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION”
72 July/August 2013
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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