TBM Staff - Mumbai Continuing its initiative to educate the travel trade fraternity about some of the distinct and niche tourism products of Destination USA, Brand USA organised the ‘Chalo USA Part 4 – Self-drive Family Holidays’ online webinar on July 23 in association with TravelBiz Monitor. The webinar threw a spotlight on Niagara Falls USA, Virginia state, Fairfax County in Virginia and Memphis in the state of Tennessee.
Tina Mt Pleasant, Director of Travel Trade Sales, Destination Niagara Falls, Kaveri Kathuria, Assistant Marketing Manager, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Linda Horowitz, International Sales Manager, Visit Fairfax and Lisa M Catron, Global Travel Trade Director, Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, enlightened attendees on the varied facets of these destinations, to enable the travel trade to curate unique itineraries incorporating a diverse mix of options.
Renting a car offers social distancing plus comfortable and exciting family road journey options for exploring the USA and its diverse landscape and cultures, as compared to regular coach tours.
Maid of the Mist
Between Niagara Falls and New York City (distance of 400 miles) is a wealth of nature, attractions and culture. Niagara County has interesting exploration with attractions around the area. Starting from Niagara Falls (open 365 days a year), one can explore American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls on a boat ride, exclusive to the USA. This tour is available from April to November.
The World Changed Here Pavilion including the Cave of the Winds and the seasonal Gorge Walk is opened year-round, giving an interesting insight into the history of Niagara Falls.
The Discover Niagara Shuttle allows one to explore the Niagara landscape with multiple pick up locations with 12 Lockport attraction stops, and 17 attraction stops on the Niagara River route.
Virginia
Centrally located along the east coast of the United States, Virginia features a wide range of visitor experiences with over 400 years of colonial and American history, serene natural beauty, outdoor activities from beach getaways to mountain adventures, scenic drives, and an exceptional culinary scene. Sharing a border with Washington, D.C., Virginia is home to the two main airports serving the nation’s capital, Washington Dulles International (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The Washington Metro provides effortless connectivity via rapid transit between Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. With rich city culture and charming small towns, it is easy to see why Virginia is for Lovers and appeals to travel lovers all around the globe.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County is termed as one destination with countless adventures with its variety of national parks, wine country, arts centre, National Air and Space Museum and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Fairfax County is home to budget-friendly hotels with new hotel openings in the pipeline. It’s proximity to the national capital adds to its accessibility. The iconic Great Falls Park in Fairfax County is situated at a distance of 24 miles from Washington DC, and there are options for hiking and walking. For some retail therapy and live entertainment, one can visit The Boro & The Perch for shopping at Tysons Corner.
Memphis
The 200,000-sq ft Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex features 11 Elvis-themed exhibits and attractions. One can stay at The Guest House of Graceland that highlights the swagger and style of the king of rock. The Graceland Exhibition Center hosts a line-up of interactive exhibits for all ages.
The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is designated as a World Peace Flame Monument Site. It gives a glimpse of the history of the civil rights movement through exciting events, line-up of reputed speakers and special guests.
The Shelby Farms Park stretching across 4,500 acres offers 40 miles of trails, paved and unpaved that are popular for walking, biking, running and hiking. Kids can have fun at the Woodland Discovery Playground and the Water Play Sprayground.
