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Travel South USA
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The Travel South USA Region Draws a Sold Out Crowd
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Atlanta, GA – December 2015 / Newsmaker Alert / Close to 400 delegates are gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina for Travel South USA International Showcase & Super FAMs, November 29 - December 6, 2015 for a sold out Marketplace. The invitation-only tradeshow hosts tour operators and travel trade journalists from 16 countries including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Netherlands, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, as well as prominent receptive tour operators and southern destination suppliers from the USA who specialize in organizing international groups and FIT clients into the South.

“North Carolina is the 16th most visited state in the US in terms of international visitation and the international market is very important to economic development here in North Carolina,” said Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit North Carolina. “Each year North Carolina welcomes more than one million international visitors who generate an estimated $453 million in spending while they are here.” Tuttell went on to say, “We are pleased to partner with Travel South USA and excited to see this year’s International Showcase in Charlotte has sold out. Our state is poised to grow as an international destination in the near future and the ability to host these tour operators and journalists will only help further that exposure and growth.”

Now in its 4th year, Travel South International Showcase & Super FAMs are not just a trade show.  It is the cornerstone of a global marketing and sales initiative that includes digital marketing, advertising, sales efforts, travel trade training and an extensive PR and social media program. At its core, the four day program is focused exclusively on selling southern destinations and offers educational workshops, global partner meetings and over 5,800+ pre-scheduled business appointments combined with outstanding entertainment, city tours, and evening events. Meal functions are considered the premier marketing opportunity to “showcase” the rich music, food, culture, history and hospitality of the South.

This year’s line of talented entertainment offerings to showcase the south include Larkin Poe from Atlanta, Georgia, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers from Louisiana, The Blue Dogs from South Carolina and Nicci Canada from Charlotte, North Carolina. A special Kentucky Bourbon Reception will feature Buffalo Trace and Four Roses along with Bluegrass music.

In addition, eight separate Super FAM tours in Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia focus operators beyond the gateway destinations. “We have over 65 operators boarding motorcoaches and airplanes to experience the Outer Banks to Norfolk, Asheville, Bristol, Tennessee and southwest Virginia, Myrtle Beach, The Greenbrier, and Route 66 and many of the authentic Americana destinations along the way. This is the best way to sell our region” shared Liz Bittner, President & CEO of Travel South USA. Once an operator or journalist experience our genuine hospitality and authentic destinations they return home to be our #1 fans and sales ambassadors.

Travel South USA experienced a record year of international visitation in 2014, up 24% over previous year 2013 and topped $2.7 billion in revenue in 2014, according the US Department of Commerce. The region is set for another solid increase in 2015 and we expect to continue our growth, beating the national averages, as international visitation trends look for authentic destinations with warm hospitality, interesting experiences and global access.

About Travel South USA
Travel South USA is America’s oldest and largest regional travel promotion organization, formed in 1965 by resolution presented at the Southern Governor’s Conference. The long-standing regional collaboration of the state tourism offices of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia provides a foundation to positively position tourism as a vital and dynamic element in the region’s economic development. Tourism ranks throughout the region as one of the top three industries, behind manufacturing and agriculture, and is responsible for $133 billion in spending by visitors, generating 1.4 million direct jobs, $30 billion in worker paychecks, and almost $16 billion in state and local taxes.

For more information about International Showcase 2015: www.TravelSouthUSA.org

For consumer information about travel to the South: www.TravelSouthUSA.com
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Contact:
Sam Lacy
Digital Marketing Manager
Travel South USA
404-231-1790
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Travel South USA: Facebook / Twitter / YouTube
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Travel South USA is the official regional marketing organization for the Southern United States and its mission is to promote, foster, and encourage travel to and within the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Travel South USA
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Publishing Dates: 12/01/15 – 02/01/16
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