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As we put winter into the rearview mirror, CRUSA's schedule and programming is definitely heating up.

After media missions to Germany/Switzerland and the UK/Ireland in the last few weeks, we're now on our way to England and Scotland for one of our largest sales missions ever.

We have a full slate of Brand USA and tour operator marketing co-ops running, promoting the region during the busy winter/spring booking season.

If you haven't signed up for our 3rd annual Global Travel Exchange (GTE) in Charlottesville next September, registration is open. Spaces are limited so don't miss out on this chance to connect with qualified tour operators and receptives.

Finally, don't forget our industry website - www.crusa.org and our consumer facing website - www.capitalregionusa.org. Both are updated regularly and have a wealth of valuable information about our programs and the region.

Thanks for your support. See you around the region!

Scott

Scott Balyo

Executive Director

2024 Global Travel Exchange

Registration Is Open!

Registration is now open for the 2024 Global Travel Exchange! Capital Region USA's annual marketplace connects the region's travel suppliers, overseas buyers, and receptive operators in face-to-face appointments, regional familiarization tours, and engaging networking events.

Where: Kimpton The Forum Hotel, Charlottesville, Virginia

When: September 16-18, 2024

Cost: $1295 for first attendee; $795 for second attendee

Room Block: A room block rate of $179 per night is available for GTE attendees. Book by July 1.

What's included: Marketplace orientation, appointments and networking events as well as attendance at Global Market Update, CRUSA's annual education event for the regional travel industry. Breakfasts, lunches, breaks, and kick-off dinner on Monday night are also included with registration.

Program: View the tentative event schedule here.

CRUSA 101

In conjunction with industry experts, ALON Tourism Solutions, CRUSA hosted a webinar on the power of international tourism on February 7. The program was attended by 65 regional travel representatives who learned more about the buying process and gained actionable takeaways for engaging with CRUSA's target markets. This program will be offered again prior to the Global Travel Exchange in September. Look for more details in our future newsletters!

CRUSA on the Road

German Media Mission

Representatives from Destination DC, Maryland Office of Tourism Development, and Virginia Beach joined CRUSA on its annual German Media Mission hosted January 29-February 2. The mission included nearly 25 meetings with travel journalists, media professionals, and United and SWISS airline representatives.

UK & Ireland Media Mission

Representatives from Visit Baltimore, Charlottesville & Albemarle Convention and Visitor Bureau, Visit Frederick, Visit Virginia Beach, and Virginia Tourism Corporation joined CRUSA's annual UK & Ireland Media Mission hosted Feburary 19-23. The delegation met with more than 40 journalists and travel media professionals during deskside appointments, lunch, and dinner meetings during the course of the mission.

Destination DC Global Offices Training

Destination DC hosted their annual Global Marketplace in January. This flagship program about international leisure and business event travel to the nation's capital included representatives from DDC’s offices in Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Mexico and the UK. The representatives spent the week in DC receiving updates and trainings on the city's product. As part of this training, CRUSA was invited to present an overview of the region to the representatives to assist in their sales and marketing efforts.

IITA

Scott Balyo and Kimberly Petersen attended the IITA Summit in February. In addition to the summit's educational sessions, the marketplace allowed CRUSA to meet with 26 receptive buyers from around the nation.

Leads Available

Leads from the French Sales Mission are now available.

Contact Kimberly Petersen to receive the leads report.