Brand USA

Contacts

FAQs

What can you expect working with Brand USA?

Brand USA is the destination marketing office for the USA. As such, we focus on multi-destination visits and taking travellers to, through, and beyond the traditional gateways into the United States. We promote the U.S. as a collection of diverse states and cities, working with any theme or story.

What can you expect working with Brand USA?

Brand USA is the destination marketing organisation for the USA. As such, we focus on multi-destination visits taking travellers to, through, and beyond the traditional gateways in the United States. We promote the U.S. as a collection of diverse states and cities with experiences suitable for every client.

What do I need to know about travelling to the U.S. at the moment?

U.S. land, ferry, and air borders have reopened, and we welcome you to return to the USA where you’ll discover our natural wonders, vibrant cities and towns, iconic landmarks, and diverse cultural experiences.

International visitors to the United States must provide proof of full vaccination prior to boarding their flight to the United States. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccine requirement and other limited exceptions apply.

All air passengers to the United States are required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States for the purposes of contact tracing.

For more information on what you need to know to visit, including U.S. entry requirements and vaccine guidelines: https://www.visittheusa.com.au/us-covid-19-travel-guidelines

What do I need to know about travelling to the U.S. at the moment?

U.S. land, ferry, and air borders have reopened, and we welcome you to return to the USA where you’ll discover our natural wonders, vibrant cities and towns, iconic landmarks, and diverse cultural experiences.

International visitors to the United States must provide proof of full vaccination prior to boarding their flight to the United States. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccine requirement and other limited exceptions apply.

All air passengers to the United States are required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States for the purposes of contact tracing.

For more information on what you need to know to visit, including U.S. entry requirements and vaccine guidelines: https://traveltrade.visittheusa.com.au/us-covid-19-travel-guidelines

Can I still obtain a visa to visit the USA?

The U.S. Consulate in Australia and New Zealand can offer a wide range of visa advice and will be able to help process applications. Learn more important information at their website: https://au.usembassy.gov/visas/ and https://nz.usembassy.gov/visas/

When’s the best time to go to the USA?

As every state experiences a different climate and geography, the United States can easily be considered a year-round destination.

What's the best way to get around the USA?

The USA has a great highway system, so road tripping is straight forward for guests. National and regional airlines service most major towns and cities. Additionally, public transport like AMTRAK trains, and Greyhound buses provide affordable transportation.

What’s the go with tipping?

Tipping is common practice in the USA and part of our hospitality culture. Below is a general guide to follow:

– Restaurants: 18-20%
– Taxis: 10-15% (many taxis aren’t equipped with credit card machines, so ask before you get in)
– Tour guides: 20%
– Bell desk: $2/bag
– Valet: $2 when they bring your car around (nothing when you drop it off)
– Valet loading luggage into your car: $2/bag
– If hotel delivers anything to your room: $3
– Housekeeping: $3/day on the bed
– Courtesy shuttle: $2 per person
– Doorman if they call you a cab: $2

Where can I find USA inspiration?

Check out Visit the USA’s premier entertainment streaming site: GoUSA TV and our latest Inspiration Guide for U.S. inspiration, as well as our awesome Trip Planner – this can help Aussies and Kiwis create the perfect USA itinerary! For more detailed info, on the 50 states, 5 territories and the District of Columbia, please visit: www.VisitTheUSA.Com.Au

Where can I find USA inspiration for my clients?

Check out Visit the USA’s premier entertainment streaming site: GoUSA TV and our latest Inspiration Guide for U.S. inspiration, as well as our awesome Trip Planner – this can help Aussies and Kiwis create the perfect USA itinerary! For more detailed info, on the 50 states, 5 territories and the District of Columbia, please visit: www.VisitTheUSA.Com.Au

Can Brand USA support my trip?

Brand USA can support media famils in a range of different ways. We work with all of our U.S. destination partners to support the compilation of itineraries. We review flight support on a case-by-case basis.

I need help putting together an itinerary for my client, where should I look?

Our Trip Planner is a great tool for agents and travellers, who have an idea of where they’d like to go, or what they’d like to see.

We also have a number of Insider Guides, pre-made sample itineraries that can provide great suggestions for travellers.

Where can I access images from Brand USA?

Please visit Brand USA’s media library here to access a range of images from across the United States.

If there are any issues accessing images, please contact TGoddard@TheBrandUSA.com.au

Story Ideas

What's New

January 2023
  • An Exciting Renovation is Happening at The Surry Hotel, New York
    Corinthia will be taking over The Surrey, just off of Central Park in New York City, and it will begin an extensive renovation; after, it will reopen in early 2023 as The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel—operated and managed by Corinthia Hotels. The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel will mark the Corinthia group’s first property in the United States. Located at the corner of East 76th Street and Madison Avenue, The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel will offer both guest rooms and residences. The redesign of the 97 guestrooms—including 33 suites and five signature suites—and 12 luxury residences.
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  • A New Raffles Opens Soon in Boston
    Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences will be the first mixed-use Raffles property in North America. With 147 guestrooms and 146 residences in a 35-story building, guests can expect signature services such as the Raffles Butler, a two-story sky lobby, five distinct food and beverage venues, a state-of-the-art Raffles Spa with a 20-meter indoor pool, a rooftop garden terrace and lounge, and expansive meeting and pre-function spaces. Residents will experience a unique collection of pied-a-terre suites, one- to three-bedroom homes and magnificent penthouses with full access to hotel services along with exclusive membership in the resident-only tier of the company’s guest recognition and loyalty program.
    Learn More
  • Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr Day with free entry to National Parks Service sites.
    January 17 In the Honour of Martin Luther King Jr, National Park Service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday 23rd January 2023, as the first free entry of the year. Commemorated on the third Monday of January every year, it is also a day service when hundreds of volunteers participate in service projects at parks across the country.
    Learn More
May 2023
  • New Glamping Resort Opens Near Zion National Park
    May 1 AutoCamp have just unveiled its latest luxurious Airstream “suites” and tents in Zion National Park. Spend the day exploring the Narrows, hiking Angel's Landing, or enjoying the scenic canyon drive. This Southwestern destination offers something for everyone, from basking in the sun beside the Virgin River right on AutoCamp’s property to trying out canyoneering among the sandstone cliffs. The 16-acre site in Virgin, Utah, sits right among the area’s dramatic red rocks landscape, but the biggest perk is that it offers easy access to Zion National Park , as visitors can enter from Kolob Terrace Road, as opposed to the park's main entrance. Guests can choose to stay in several accommodation types, including the brand’s Classic Airstream Suite in a 31-foot long vehicle that can sleep one to three adults, or two adults and two children. Each also has a sitting room, kitchenette, and private bathroom with a rain shower. Outside on the private patio, there’s a fire pit and dining space. Premium Airstream Suites are also available in areas of the property that offer more privacy. Bookings are now open. AutoCamp Zion joins the lineup as yet another glampsite in a dreamy, nature-surrounded locale, with existing resorts amid some of the nation’s most stunning outdoor scenery, like Yosemite and Joshua Tree in California; the Catskills in New York; and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
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July 2023
  • Beloved Hawaiian Resort Destroyed by the Tsunami, Gets a Thrilling New Life After a 7 Year Rebuild
    Located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, the iconic Kona Village Resort has once again open its doors and welcome back ‘ohana (family) to the historic and culturally rich destination after tsunami damage forced it to close in 2011. Kona Village’s bungalows – many of which were wrecked in the 2011 tsunami – have been sustainably rebuilt, with the design team maintaining much of their original appearance. The resort has 150 unique, standalone guest hales with locally inspired décor and a privileged sense of seclusion along with an array of distinct dining venues, including the original resort’s beloved Shipwreck Bar and Talk Story Bar, which will offer elevated yet relaxed experiences. The resort will also offer an array of event spaces and outdoor activities, making it an exceptional destination for meetings, events, and celebrations.
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October 2023
  • The Ritz Carlton Brings a Taste of Luxury to Downtown Portland
    The Residences will offer sophisticated style, luxurious finishes and legendary Ritz-Carlton service, including in-residence dining, housekeeping and access to the 19th and 20th amenity floors of the hotel. Owners will also enjoy unparalleled amenities, such as a dedicated 8th floor Owner’s lounge, fitness facility, secured underground parking with access to valet service, as well as ground floor retail space and a food hall that will accommodate high-end food curators. This will be the first Ritz-Carlton in the Pacific Northwest.
    Learn More
December 2023
  • Luxury Hotel Brand Raffles Makes North America Debut in Boston
    This will be the first mixed-use Raffles property in North America. With 147 guestrooms and 146 residences in a 35-story building, guests can expect signature services such as the Raffles Butler, a two-story sky lobby, five distinct food and beverage venues, a state-of-the-art Raffles Spa with a 20-meter indoor pool, a rooftop garden terrace and lounge, and expansive meeting and pre-function spaces. Residents will experience a unique collection of pied-a-terre suites, one- to three-bedroom homes and magnificent penthouses with full access to hotel services along with exclusive membership in the resident-only tier of the company’s guest recognition and loyalty program.
    Learn More
  • Twisting Towers are the new additions to NY High Line
    The joint project between Bjarke Ingels, Witkoff Groups’ Alex Witkoff, and designer Dan Fink features both residences and a luxurious new Faena hotel. Overlooking the Hudson River, The Faena New York Hotel and its associated private residences are located at 76 11th Avenue in West Chelsea, Manhattan, between West 17th and West 18th Streets, a short walk to The High Line, Chelsea Piers sport complex, the Chelsea Waterside Park, Chelsea Market, and West Village dining and shopping. The new hotel will offer 120 rooms and suites across ten floors, with interiors by Parisian design firm Gilles & Boissier, which also worked on the Baccarat Hotel New York, Ritz-Carlton New York, part of the Mandarin Oriental Paris, and the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid, among others. Neutral colours and natural materials, light wood floors and stonework imbue spaces with a sense of tranquillity against the dramatic backdrop of NYC's dynamic skyline. For dining, there will be a 5,000-sq-ft restaurant helmed by a celebrity chef. Hotel guests will enjoy access to 17,000 square feet of wellness space, Tierra Santa Healing House, including a full-service spa and fitness centre. The tower will also house nightlife venue The Living Room, an elevated setting with live entertainment, private dining, and outdoor terraces. Other Faena properties include the brand's Miami Beach location in Florida – which Australian film director Baz Luhrmann helped design.
    Learn More
January 2024
  • Jackson Hole’s Iconic Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa Reopens After Devastating Fire
    Returning to its quaint and quiet corner of Jackson, Wyoming, The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa will reopen its doors after a devastating fire destroyed the nearly 30-year-old boutique hotel in 2019. Tucked into the heart of vibrant Jackson Hole, the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa is excited to welcome back long-time guests and first-time visitors to the brand-new hotel opening in early 2024. Maintaining the best of what was, the new Rusty Parrot represents a thoughtful blend of modern luxury and familiar charm, featuring an award-winning restaurant and spa. Set just steps away from Jackson’s Town Square and within easy reach of the striking landscapes and natural playground that call visitors to this valley, The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa will now feature a more refined and thoughtfully appointed design. Newly expanded rooms include two suites, 22 King Fireplace rooms, 11 Double Queen rooms, and five King rooms. Infused with rustic Western sophistication and natural light, each room offers beautiful views, custom furniture, regionally sourced artwork, luxury finishes and linens, spa-quality bathrooms and products, along with the latest comforts and conveniences for today’s traveller.
    Learn More

Images

Please visit Brand USA’s media library here to access a range of images from across the United States. If there are any issues accessing images, please contact TGoddard@TheBrandUSA.com.au

Video

Training

The USA Discovery Program is the official online training platform for the USA. It’s been designed specifically for the Travel Trade to help agents and travel industry professionals become effective at selling the USA to their clients.

USA Discovery Program for Australian agents and industry professionals.

USA Discovery Program for New Zealand agents and industry professionals.

Fams

Coming soon

Events

Coming soon