Destinations

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – The recent 14th U.S.-China Tourism Leadership Summit in Xi'an, China,has set the stage for a significant rebound in Chinese tourism to the United States. This high-level gathering, jointly hosted by Brand USA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, signifies a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration and growth within this vital tourism sector.

Revitalizing a Key Economic Driver

Prior to the pandemic, China was a major source of tourism revenue for the United States. In 2019, Chinese visitors spent an estimated $35 billion in the U.S., supporting millions of American jobs and contributing significantly to local economies nationwide. The summit, the first since 2019, aimed to rekindle this crucial economic relationship and facilitate the return of Chinese travelers to American shores.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – Brand USA, the nation's destination marketing organization, announced a robust recovery in international inbound travel to the United States, with a significant increase in visitor numbers and spending. The organization is also preparing for a seamless transition in leadership, welcoming a new president and CEO this month.

Resurgence of International Travel

In the past year, the United States welcomed nearly 67 million international visitors, contributing $213 billion to the national economy through travel and tourism-related expenditures. This represents a substantial 28% increase compared to the previous year, underscoring the enduring global appeal of the United States as a premier travel destination.

Global Appeal and Positive Outlook

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – Brand USA, the nation's destination marketing organization, announced the appointment of seasoned travel industry executive Fred Dixon as its new President & Chief Executive Officer,effective July 15, 2024. Dixon's appointment signals a strategic move to capitalize on the ongoing strength of the U.S.tourism industry and position Brand USA for continued growth and innovation.

Dixon's Proven Track Record

Dixon brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently served as the President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions. During his tenure, he spearheaded New York City's remarkable rise as a premier global destination,doubling international visitation. His 30-year career in the travel and tourism sector is characterized by strategic leadership, a commitment to innovation, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of global travelers.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 22, 2024 – Visit The USA, the national tourism organization for the United States,has unveiled five must-visit destinations that are poised to capture the hearts and imaginations of travelers in 2024.These cities and regions offer a diverse range of experiences, from cultural immersion and outdoor adventure to culinary delights and artistic treasures.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – In a significant move towards fostering sustainable tourism and economic development in Africa, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the TUI Care Foundation have announced a strengthened partnership focused on empowering artists and artisans in rural communities.

The collaboration, formalized with an agreement signed at UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, marks a new chapter in their joint efforts to harness the transformative potential of tourism for the benefit of local populations. The partnership specifically targets the empowerment of women and youth artisans, who often play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and driving economic growth in rural areas.

"Colourful Cultures" Initiative to Spark Creative Entrepreneurship

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – In a move to bolster Peru's burgeoning tourism industry, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has unveiled "Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Peru," a comprehensive guide designed to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI). The launch event, co-hosted by Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF),also recognized seven villages as Peru's Best Tourism Villages for 2022 and 2023, further highlighting the nation's commitment to sustainable tourism development.

Peru: A Destination Primed for Investment

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – Visit Qatar, the official tourism promotion arm of Qatar, has successfully concluded its immersive and engaging activations at UEFA EURO 2024™ in Germany. The campaign, part of Visit Qatar's ongoing partnership with UEFA, showcased the nation's unique blend of cultural richness, modern attractions,and warm hospitality to a broad European audience.

The Doha Club: A Cultural Oasis

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 18, 2024 – Qatar Tourism marked a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy with the launch of Qatar Airways' inaugural flight to Hamburg, Germany, on July 1st, 2024. This new route not only enhances connectivity between the two countries but also solidifies Qatar's position as a prime tourist destination for German travelers.

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, attended the launch event, emphasizing the strategic importance of the new route in aligning with Qatar's National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which prioritizes the German market as one of 15 key international focuses.

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 7, 2024 – Summerjam Festival 2024, a major European reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop music festival, successfully concluded its three-day run on July 7th, overcoming unforeseen challenges brought on by Hurricane Beryl. Despite the storm's impact on travel in the Caribbean, causing the cancellation of performances by Beenie Man, D'Yani, and Samory-I, the festival organizers demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

"The safety and enjoyment of our attendees are always our top priorities," said a spokesperson for Contour Festival Organisations GmbH, the organizers of Summerjam. "We are grateful for the understanding and support of our festival community as we navigated these unexpected circumstances. We are also incredibly proud of our team's swift action in securing talented replacements like Stonebwoy and Gentleman, ensuring that the music never stopped."

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 27, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 27, 2024 – The city of Bonn, Germany, is set to host the inaugural "Days of Exile" festival from August 30 to September 14, 2024. This groundbreaking event, organized by the Körber Foundation and the City of Bonn, will feature over 40 diverse events across 27 locations, exploring the multifaceted experiences of exile through exhibitions, readings, theater performances, films, lectures, workshops, and concerts.

The festival aims to amplify the voices of individuals forced to leave their homelands due to their commitment to democracy and human rights, shedding light on both historical and contemporary experiences of exile. By fostering dialogue and understanding between long-term residents and newcomers, the Days of Exile seeks to strengthen social cohesion and promote a more inclusive society.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address